jYRA D 



OMESTICA. 



TRANSLATED FROM THE " PSALTERY AND HARP ' 
By RICHARD MAS SEE. 



WITH ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS 
By Key. F. D. HUNTINGTON, D. D. 



BOSTON: 
E. P. DUTTON AND COMPANY, 

106 WASHINGTON STREET. 

1861. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1860, by 
E. P. Dgtton and Company, 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Massa- 
chusetts. 



RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE! 
STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY H. 0. HOUGHTON. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Introduction • • • xi 



PART I. 

Salvation is come to this House 3 

I and my House will serve the Lord 5 

* Up ! Psaltery an d Harp 8 

Morning - 10 

The Appearance of Christ 12 

Patience 14 

Weep not for Me, but Weep for Yourselves 16 

Easter Day 18 

Whitsunday 21 

The Spirit of the Fathers 24 

Rest in God 28 

Self-Knowledge 31 

The Lord is my Shepherd 33 

.The Hour of the Lord 36 

I am Thine 38 

See what Love ! 40 

I Believe 42 

I will abide with Thee • 44 

Heavenly Guidance 46 

Turn Again 48 

Our Conversation is in Heaven - • - 51 

Strong in Faith, Rich in Love 54 



vi 



Contents* 



Unity in the Spirit 56 

The Blessing of Christian Fellowship 58 

The Missionaries 60 

Faithfulness in Little Things 62 

Abide in Jesus • • 65 

Be Ready, for the Days are Evil 6 7 

Longing 69 

My Soul thirsteth after the Living God 71 

Encouragement 73 

The Plant of God's Planting 75 

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost 77 

Pilgrim's Song 79 

Parting 81 

What We Shall Be 83 



PART II. 

The Child Jesus Mauburn (1460)- • 89 

The Incarnation and Passion • • Henry Vaughan- • 91 

A Child at Prayer 92 

He goeth before Them Baxter - • 94 

A Morning Hymn Zachary Boyd' • 95 

The Aged Believer Sir Robert Grant- 96 

The Angel of Patience J. G. Whittier- - 98 

" The Prayers I Make " Wordsicorth- - 99 

The Hour of Prayer Charlotte Elliott- - 100 

" Give Me thine Heart". • • School of the Heart- - 101 

The Invalid's Hymn- Wesley- - 103 

The Covenanter's Scaffold Song Hogg- • 105 

" It is Well" Bishop Doane- - 106 

Heavenly Teaching- • ♦ Madame Guy on- - 107 

When We first Awake Wither- - 108 

The Palmer's Morning Hymn Hogg* • 110 



©cmtntts* 



vii 



PAGE 

Luther's Prayer Ill 

" He Giveth His Beloved Sleep " 

Eliz. B. Browning - • 112 

Charity • Richard Gboch- • 114 

The Purifier of Silver- Montgomery* - 115 

Song in the Night Bishop Ken* - 116 

The Dawning Vaughan- - 117 

" God manifest in Flesh " Conder- • 119 

Sunday Herbert- - 121 

Thankfulness ■ A. A. Proctor - - 123 

Hymn Bowring- • 125 

In the Field 127 

" Thy Will be Done " Charlotte Elliott- • 129 

Seeking W.Martin** 131 

Trouble Joseph Buny an- * 132 

Heaven Opened • • • • Gostich- - 133 

Evening Light- • ♦ Peabody- • 134 

" Saviour of Mankind " 

Drummond of Hawthornden* • 135 

Gray Hairs Lord Vaux- • 136 

My Baptismal Birthday Coleridge' • 137 

The City of God Bernard, Abbot of Clugni- - 138 

A Midnight Hymn 140 

Too Late, yet not too Late Scheffler- - 141 

Christmas Day • Bishop Hall- • 142 

I will Keep Thee Mediceval Hymn- • 143 

God with Us From the Spanish- • 147 

The Child's Plea MCheyne- 148 

Comfort Eliz. B. Browning- - 149 

Battle-Song of Gustavus Adolphus- - Altenbury - - 150 

The Dark Angel Aubrey Be Vere- - 151 

When We cannot Sleep Wither- - 152 



viii 



Contents. 



PAGE 

The Glory Reserved Dr. Muhlenberg- • 154 

Hindrance R. C. Trench'* 155 

Abide in Me, and I in You 

Harriet Beecher Stowe- • 156 

Give Ear, O Lord Hunnis' • 158 

Milton on his Blindness 159 

Morning • Parnell- - 160 

My Grace is Sufficient E. C. • • 162 

The Child's Prayer S. W.~ • 164 

The Comforter Herrick- • 165 

The Cheerful Giver 166 

Hymn of the Twelfth Century 168 

The Oldest Christian Hymn 170 

Our One Life 172 

The Child of James Melville, and the two Doves 

Mrs. A. Stuart Menteath- • 174 

A Rocking Hymn Wither- • 178 

One in Christ E.Robinson-- 180 

Joy in Heaven Swain - - 182 

The Spirit's Home 184 

Holy Resolution J.Taylor- - 186 

" Lord, I believe " Monsell- - 188 

Comforter Divine 189 

Sickness Richter- - 191 

Submission * 1 94 

I Hold Still Julius Sturm - - 196 

Couldst thou not watch one Hour? 198 

Hermon McDuff- - 202 

Gennesaret • McDuff- - 204 

My Shepherd • •• 206 

Nearer S. F. Adams- - 207 

Hail the Light 209 



Contents* 



ix 



PAGE 

The Second Coming 211 

Behold the Lamb 213 

At the Cross 215 

Just as I am Charlotte Elliott* - 217 

Love's Motive Madame Guyon-- 219 

The Suppliant R. C. Trench-- 221 

Christ's Loneliness J. S. Monsell- - 223 

Divine Ejaculation John Quarles- - 225 

The Lent Jewels 228 

The Contented Heart J. S. Monsell- • 230 

Hymn for Morning 232 

The Child J. Newton - - 234 

"Not all at Once" 235 

Joy in Christ J. Moultrie-- 236 

Wholly Thine Sir W. Raleigh- - 238 

Light of the Night • 239 

Jesus, Child and Lord Faber- • 241 

Faith's Answer C. Whitmarsh- - 243 

Divine Order H. Bonar- - 245 

Lost, but Found H. Bonar - - 247 

Still with Thee - Airs. Stowe- - 249 

The Future Life Bryant- - 251 

City of God 253 

The Alpine Shepherd Mrs. Lowell- - 255 

Ministering Spirits » 258 

The Calm of the Soul Mrs. Stowe - - 260 

The New Song - -Hillhouse- - 261 

The Pilgrim • Crabbe- - 262 

The Question Lyra Cathol- - 263 

The Answer Lyra Cathol.- 264 

Christ our only Joy St. Bernard- - 265 

Christ's Kingship Gregory - - 266 



X 



©ontcnt<>* 



PAGE 

The Feast Thos. Aquinas- ■ 267 

Gratitude to Christ Xavier- • 269 

In the Fight From the German - • 271 

The New Jerusalem Meyfert • • 2 72 

A Compassionate High-Priest. .Sir Robt. Grant- • 2 73 

Daily Dependence Sir Robt. Grant-- 275 

" If it be possible, let this Cup pass from Me "• • • 27 7 

A Prayer for Faith L. Bronte - - 279 

Longing for Jesus 282 

The School of Suffering 284 

A Parent's Prayer . L. Wellington, D.D - - 287 

Yeni Sancte Spiritus - Faber- • 291 

"I Shall be Satisfied" 293 



# 

<t> <§> #> 
<S> # <§> # 

<t> <%> #> <§> <§> <§> 
#> # <t> # <§> 

#> # <§> 



INTRODUCTION. 



The high office of sacred poetry, as min- 
istering strength and comfort to believers, 
lias been acknowledged in the Church from 
the beginning, " Hvmns to Christ " are 
known to have been a principal part of 
the regular worship of the Christians of 
the primitive age. Tertullian mentions that, 
in his time, at the Love-Feasts, when the 
Redeemer's Sacrifice was celebrated in the 
Holy Communion, each partaker in the 
Eucharist was invited to sine; a song of ad- 
oration, either in his own language, or in 
the words of Scripture. St. Augustine's 
account of the effect of the singing in the 
church at Milan makes us feel that there 
was a grandeur and a tenderness in it, be- 
yond even his extraordinary powers of de- 
scription. Sometimes the impression of this 
part of the church-service, alternately sub- 
duing and kindling the soul, appears to 
have been so great as not only to yield 



xii 



Xnttotrttctfon* 



wonderful accessions of faith and hope to 
the disciples, but even to bring the heathen 
to conversion ; for there is testimony from 
the Early Fathers to show that Gentiles 
who were drawn to the Christian assem- 
blies to hear their music, were touched by 
the Spirit and baptized before going away. 
It is also quite observable that those periods 
in the Church when the breaking forth of 
divine song among the people has been 
most original and universal, have been the 
periods of religious awakening. A new 
manifestation of Christ in the renewal of 
zeal and activity in his Living Body seems 
always to bring with it louder and heartier 
strains of musical adoration. It was cer- 
tainly so when the Reformation reopened 
the fountains of religious feeling through 
Europe. The air of a continent was filled 
with ascending melodies. Not only did Lu- 
ther himself justify this use of an art that 
the children of the world have no right to 
appropriate, saying, " Every one knows how 
David and all Saints have put their divine 
thoughts into verse, rhyme, and song," but 
the joyous multitudes, who needed no for- 
mal justification of what the God of Nature 
and the Holy Ghost inspired, took up the 



Introduction* 



xiii 



praise without misgiving, and thousands at 
a time might be heard singing in the streets 
of Augsburg, or at St. Paul's Cross. Every 
note in the scale of lyrical emotion was 
touched, by some stroke, from the more arti- 
ficial accommodations of the Psalms, pre- 
pared by Marot for the flippant tongues of 
the court of Francis I., to the rugged chants 
of the Hussites, the Bohemian Brethren, and 
the Albigenses, shouted bravely heavenward 
in wild hiding-places among the rocks, from 
between the very jaws of persecution, and 
amidst the fires of martyrdom. 

But the consecrated genius of the Chris- 
tian world has not been confined to any 
epochs. From every portion of the his- 
tory of the Church we can gather some 
precious relics of sacred verse. In the 
ages of contemplative, as well as of de- 
monstrative faith, holy men have kept on 
singing their gratitude and trust. In the 
darkest hours the voice has not ceased. 
Indeed, in not a few instances did it ap- 
pear that, for the outward obscurity, " so 
much the rather the celestial light shone 
inward." That august idea of a Laus pe- 
rennis, of which the monks in one of the 
Eastern cities dreamed, and which they at- 



xiv 



KntroUuctton* 



tempted to inaugurate, has had a realiza- 
tion in historical hymnings to the Father, 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost. It is quite 
remarkable, and to many thoughtful minds 
it is a fact which holds in it a significant 
argument, that so strong a tendency has 
been manifest, within the last few years, 
to return to the unrivalled and inimitable 
" songs of faith " composed by the old be- 
lievers. May it not be a profound inti- 
mation of a real historic unity in Christ's 
church, which has been too willingly over- 
looked ; proving that truths, theological and 
ecclesiastical, may make a shorter way to 
the heart in hymns than in articles and 
creeds? In the midst of the eager enter- 
prise and noisy self-assertion of these times, 
there seems to have silently sprung up a 
hunger for some kind of bread not grown 
on our fields, — bread that is missing, how- 
ever, let us think, more for lack of culture 
than from an exhaustion of God's Soil. Why 
it was that saints of other days had so much 
more quiet illumination, rested in the Lord 
more perfectly, and told their mysteri- 
ous secret in numbers at once nobler and 
sweeter, than modern Christians, we may 
not be able to tell; as we are not able to 



Kntrotmctton. 



XV 



define, by any analysis, what are the subtile 
elements that go to make up the pecul- 
iar creation, a hymn, distinguishing it from 
every other kind of poetic production. Per- 
haps, as a spirit kindred to their own has 
said, it was, because "the dear cross pressed 
many songs out of them." However this 
may be, we shall do well to see to it that 
this desire which turns away from the full 
feast of contemporaneous literature, attract- 
ed by the rich flavor of the past, and insists 
that " the old is better," shall not be left 
unsatisfied. Already the gleaners, like Miss 
Winkworth and many more, have been busy, 
and their ears and clusters are before us 
in such prized and consolatory works as the 
" Lyra Apostolica," " Lyra Germanica," 
" Lyra Catholica," " Hymns of the Ages," 
and " Sacred Lyrics." We have found some 
new " handfuls " and present them for this 
" Lyra Domestica." 

But we have not collected altogether from 
bygone centuries. Within the last year, a 
small volume, having the title just men- 
tioned, has been issued from the press of 
Longman, Green, Longman and Roberts, 
of London, consisting entirely of transla- 
tions from the lyrical poems of Carl Jo- 



xvi 



Kutrotmctton* 



harm Philipp Spitta, a German Lutheran 
divine. This work, hitherto not repub- 
lished in this country, has had but a lim- 
ited circulation among American readers. 
Indeed, among the chances of public criti- 
cism, and in the flood-tide of recent poetical 
literature, both domestic and foreign, it ap- 
pears to have received less attention than 
might justly have been challenged by the 
character of its publishers, the beauty of its 
execution, and the reputation of its transla- 
tor, Mr. Richard Massie, to say nothing of 
its intrinsic merits. Most of these pieces 
appear unaltered in the First Part of the 
present collection. 

Inquiry will naturally be made respecting 
their author. At the time of his death, 
which happened only about a year ago, in 
October, 1859, he was "Pastor Prhnarius" 
and Superintendent at Burgdorf, in the King- 
dom of Hanover, to which place he had been 
not long before transferred from a similar of- 
fice at Peine, in the principality of Hilders- 
heim. He was a native of Hanover, where 
he was born in 1801. From 1821 to 1824 
he was a student of theology at the Univer- 
sity of Gottingen. Previous to his appoint- 
ment at Peine, he had been in the impor- 



Kntrotmcttom 



xvii 



tant and honorable post of Ecclesiastical Su- 
perintendent at Wittengen, Pastor at Wes- 
hold in Hoya, and Assistant Pastor at Sud- 
wald, where he began his ministerial labors 
in the Lutheran Church in the year 1828. 
He had also served several years as chaplain 
to the garrison and Reformatory at Hameln, 
and it appears to have been at this period 
of his life that he published, at Leipsic, the 
greater part of those poetical compositions, 
under the title of Psalter unci Harfe, on 
which his high reputation as a German ly- 
rist principally rests. It must be remem- 
bered that his reputation competes with that 
of no less than two hundred and fifty Ger- 
man hymn-books, containing, in all, sixty 
thousand hymns. An interesting glimpse 
into his domestic dispositions and habits is 
afforded us in the statement, — almost the 
only one we have been able to discover 
bearing on his personal or private history, 
— that most of his hymns were set to 
music, and that he often sung them at 
evening with his daughters, — perhaps com- 
posing both hymn and tune together, as 
Luther did, — the harmony of the voices 
and the melody of the words being such 
that crowds of people used to gather un- 



xviii 



Enttotroctfotu 



der his windows to listen. In this circum- 
stance, taken in connection with the Ger- 
man name he gave to his songs, we may 
find the origin of the beautiful Latin appel- 
lation afterwards applied to them, and ap- 
plied by us to the whole of the present col- 
lection. 

It is the less necessary to enter here into 
any critique or any commendation of this 
modern " minnesinger," minister-singer, or 
meister-singer, because the reader who no- 
tices this Introduction will probably look 
far enough into the volume to form a judg- 
ment of his own on its deservings. Those 
who prize one kind of poetry which now 
has considerable popularity, will probably 
be dissatisfied with this. It is without fury, 
without paroxysm, and even without much 
apparent effort. If poetic originality consists 
in the production of far-fetched images, start- 
ling surprises of expression, bold paradoxes, 
or odd conceits, these verses are not very 
original. They give no impression of any 
strain in the composition, nor do they strain 
the attention of the reader, whether to find 
out their particular meanings, or to trace 
the connection between one thought or 
fancy in them and another. They are 



Kutrctructtotu 



xix 



simply the natural, elevated, melodious ut- 
terance, in measure and rhvme, of a vig- 
orous, disciplined, music-loving mind, the 
light of whose genius is blended with the 
sunny warmth of a pure and devout heart. 
They abound in those clear annunciations of 
spiritual truth which a genuine experience 
of divine realities always readily recognizes 
as the result of a similar experience in an- 
other. They reach down into solemn depths 
of sorrow, and up into holy heights of joy ; 
but they do both with an unbroken tran- 
quillity of spirit which makes us feel that 
the joy is chastened, and the sorrow not 
comfortless. We listen to the flowing; strains 
as to the quiet breathings of a soul thor- 
oughly at peace in God, knowing in whom 
it has believed ; and. our own souls sing, 
whether our voices can sing or not. Nor 
are the signs of ripe culture less manifest 
than those of direct religious insight. The 
thoughts move with the ease and dignity 
which are an unerring proof of large and 
patient study. The wide scenery of out- 
ward nature, of classical learning, and of 
Biblical revelation, has been open to these 
eyes ; the accurate and truthful reading of 
it has at once enriched and refined this 



XX 



Xutrotmcttom 



imagination. And thus, to all who come 
with the preparation of sympathy, in a 
frame of contemplation, or of aspiration, 
or of worship, it will not be strange if the 
verdict of this author's countrymen seems 
to be justified, which places his name with 
those of the great masters of German Sa- 
cred Song, some of whom Wesley was will- 
ing to translate, — Gerhardt, Klopstock, and 
Scheffler (Angelus Silesius), or at least 
with those of Zinzendorf, Arndt, and Ter- 
steegen. 

From these, too, we have made selec- 
tions ; from that brilliant and saintly com- 
pany who have been to the last two or three 
centuries what Clement, Ambrose, Hilary, 
and Gregory were to the earlier ages of 
the Church ; from poems which are sublime 
confessions of Christ before men, breath- 
ing his love, catholic with his charity, 
preaching his gospel, commending his sac- 
raments, calling to his baptism, celebrating 
his eucharist, rejoicing in his cross, glorify- 
ing his Nativity, Easter, and Pentecost, hon- 
oring the noble army of his martyrs, and 
breathing down the hallowed fire of their 
piety and prayers through worshipping gen- 
erations. Several pieces are taken from 



Kntrotmction* 



xxi 



" Lyra Christiana," and from " Altar 
Stones," two works lately published in 
Great Britain. 

In the index to the concluding part of 
the volume, many if not most of the elect 
and imperial names of religious poetry will 
be found. We have not overlooked the 
originality of Herbert, the reverence of 
Vaughan, (who said of Herbert, " His holy 
life and verse gained many pious converts, 
of whom I am least,") the quaintness of 
Quarles, the enthusiasm of Wither, the en- 
ergy of Coleridge, nor the varied claims of 
Mauburn and Drummond, Madame Guion 
and Mrs. Browning, St. Bernard and Her- 
rick, Ken and Keble, Xavier, Eber, and Fa- 
ber. Nor are the least worthy pieces those 
which have come from anonymous writers, 
the authors of " a few hymns which become 
an imperishable inheritance to the people of 
God," of whom James Montgomery, in his 
preface to the Christian Psalmist, says he 
would rather be one, than " to bequeath an- 
other epic to the world which should rank 
his name with Homer, Virgil, and Milton." 

Whatever the honors of the authors, we 
may all well join in the invocation of Mar- 
tin Luther, uttered in an introduction of his 



xxii Kntrotmctton* 



own to old " Spiritual Songs," — " There- 
fore, that such beautiful ornament of music, 
properly used, may tend to the glory of our 
blessed Creator, and the edifying of Chris- 
tians, that He be praised and honored, and 
that we, having His holy word impressed on 
the heart by sweet songs, be strengthened in 
the faith, may God the Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost mercifully grant! Amen." 



F. D. H. 

Boston, All Saints' Day, 1860. 




SALVATION IS COME TO THIS HOUSE. 

HAPPY house, home supremely 
blest, 

Where Thou, Lord Jesus Christ, 
art entertained 
As the most welcome and beloved guest, 

With true devotion and with love unfeigned: 
Where all hearts beat in unison with Thine, 
Where eyes grow brighter as they look on 
Thee, 

Where all are ready, at the slightest sign, 
To do Thy will and do it heartily. 

happy house, where man and wife are one 
Through love of Thee, in spirit, heart, and 
mind ; 

Together joined by holy bands, which none, 
Not death itself, can sever or unbind : 

Where both on Thee unfailingly depend, 
In weal and woe, in good and evil days, 




4 



And hope with Thee eternity to spend 
In sweet communion and eternal praise. 

happy house, where with the hands of prayer 

Parents commit their children to the Friend, 
Who, with a more than mother's tender care, 

Will watch and keep them safely to the end: 
Where they are taught to sit at Jesus' feet, 

And listen to the words of life and truth, 
And learn to lisp His praise in accents sweet, 

From early childhood to advancing youth. 

O happy house, where man and maid pursue 

Their daily labours as unto the Lord, 
Desiring only that whate'er they do 

May be according to His will and word: 
As servants, yet as friends and brethren too, 

Their love with deep humility combined, 
No less in little than in great things true, 

They serve Him gladly with a willing mind. 

happy house, where Thou dost share the weal, 
Where none forget Thee, whatsoe'er befall ; 

happy house, where Thou the wounds dost heal, 
The Healer and the Comforter of all ; 

Till every one his stated task hath done, 
And all at length shall peacefully depart 

To the bright realms where Thou Thyself art 
gone, 

The Father's house where Thou already art. 



5 



I AND MY HOUSE WILL SERVE THE LORD. 



Slllieiilli To serve Thee and obey Thee ; 
Be in the midst of us, we pray, 
To guide and bless us, that we may 

A willing service pay Thee : 
Of us all, 
Great and small, 
Make a pious congregation, 
Pure in life and conversation. 

Let Thy good Spirit by the word 
Work mightily in us, Lord, 

Our souls and bodies filling ! 
O let the Sun of grace shine bright, 
That there may be abundant light 

In us and in our dwelling : 
On our way, 
Night and day, 

With the heavenly manna feed us, 
To the heavenly Canaan lead us. 




AND my house are ready, Lord, 
With hearts that beat in sweet 



6 



&£ra Domestic*. 



Send peace and blessing from above. 
Unite us all in faith and love 

Who in this house are living ; 
Let charity our hearts prepare 
To suffer long and all things bear. 

Meek, gentle, and forgiving : 
Nor in aught 
Christ hath taught 
Let us fail to one another. 
But each love and help his brother. 

Lord, let our house be built upon 
Thy faithfulness and grace alone ; 

And when the clay is closing. 
And night her gloomy shadow flings, 
Let us he down beneath Thy wings 

With childlike trust reposing ; 
E'en with smart 
In the heart. 

Cheerful, happy, and confiding, 
Patiently in Thee abiding. 

If Thou shonldst bless our home with wealth, 
Let not the world creep in by stealth, 

And take away the blessing; 
For if our hearts should empty be 
Of meekness and humility, 

Although all else possessing, 
We should miss 
That true bliss, 



agra JBomtntitz. 



7 



Which not all the world's vast treasure 
Can supply in smallest measure. 

But this, Lord, we pray for most, 
That in our house the Holy Ghost 

May ever be presiding ; 
He can preserve our souls from sin, 
Keep order and sound discipline, 

His Spirit all things guiding : 
may we 
Ever be 

By the Spirit thus attended 
Till our pilgrimage is ended ! 



G ^ ... \M D 



8 



UP! PSALTEEY AND HARP. 

OXELY was the way and dreary 
Once to Canaan's fair abode ; 
Few there were, who, faint and 
weary, 

Trod the unfrequented road : 
For by thousands mocked and chidden 

They pursued the dangerous way, 
"Which appeared as though forbidden 

And beneath a curse it lay. 

True it is, that Sion's daughters 

Never their sweet home forgat ; 
By Euphrates' silent waters 

Weeping and deprest they sat : 
On the willow-trees beside them 

Hung their harps ; for none would sing, 
In a land where foes deride them, 

Songs of praise to Sion's King. 

As they spake to one another 

Of the Lord's beloved abode, 
Sighs burst forth they could not smother, 

Tears of bitter anguish flowed : 




For the Heathen hordes had wasted 
God's own house with open shame, 

Till the Lord from Heaven hasted 
To the help of His great name. 

From the neighbouring hills descending, 

Heralds peaceful tidings bear ; 
Songs of home and joy are rending 

With sweet sounds the startled air. 
On they press o'er hill and valley, 

E'en the desert teems with life, 
And should any seem to dally, 

They are urged with friendly strife. 

Yes ! the Lord Himself hath spoken ; 

Strike your tents, be glad of heart ; 
He whose word can not be broken, 

Saith, " from Babylon depart." 
God hath heard your sighs, and ended 

Many a year of grief and wrong ; 
Take your harps so long suspended, 

Join ye all in grateful song. 

God, renowned in Israel's story, 

My Redeemer, God, and King, 
I will magnify Thy glory 

With sweet psalms and tuneful string. 
Grateful tribute ever bringing, 

I will praise Thee night and day, 
Songs of joy and triumph singing, 

As I climb the narrow way. 



10 



agra JBomesttts* 



MORNING. 

HE purple morning gilds the East- 
ern skies, 
And what the night had hidden 
from our eyes 
Now stands revealed to our admiring gaze ; 
Mountain and valley, wood and fruitful plain, 
Which in their misty bed asleep had lain, 
Shine forth and glitter in the sun's bright rays. 

Shine in my soul, and light and joy impart, 
O blessed Jesus, Sun of my dark heart, 

cause therein the light of truth to shine ; 
Show me each crooked winding of my heart, 
Change and renew it so in every part, 

That my whole nature be transformed to Thine. 

Lord, in Thy light let me walk this day, 
By Thy love prompted, act, and speak, and pray, 

As a new creature it becomes to do, 
Whose aim it is, in all his words and ways, 
To set forth duly his Creator's praise, 

And new in heart, in life be also new. 




n 



I pray not, " take my troubles all away ; " 
It is for love to bear them that I pray, 

And firm belief that all is for my good ; 
That every trouble must be kindly meant, 
Since from the hands of Him it has been sent, 

Who is my loving Father and my God. 

I pray not that my days may smoothly run ; 
Ah no ! I pray, Thy will alone be done ! 

Yet give a childlike trusting heart to me ; 
Should the earth seek to draw my spirit down, 

let my heart continue still Thine own, 
And draw me upward from, the earth to Thee. 

1 pray not, Lord, that Thou wilt quickly end 
The griefs and troubles Thou art pleased to send ; 

Be Thou my peace in every trying hour. 
I ask not Heaven at once to enter in, 
But ere I die, that I may die to sin, 

Be Thou its death : destroy its guilt and 
power. 

Thou Sun, by whom my new life first was 
lighted, 

O let me not again become benighted, 

But be my light when shades around me 
spread ; 

With the bright splendour of Thy heavenly rays 
Illuminate the evening of my days, 

And shed a halo round my dying head. 



12 Hsra 23dmnjttca, 



THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST. 

HEIST, whose first appearance 
lighted 

Gloomy death's obscure domain, 
Long in Herod's courts benighted 
Sought I Thee, but sought in vain : 
All was glitter, pomp, and pleasure, 

Sensuality, and pride ; 
But my heart found not its treasure, 
And remained unsatisfied. 

Then to learned scribes and sages 

Seeking Christ I wandered on, 
But upon their barren pages 

Jacob's star had never shone : 
True indeed, like men in prison 

Groping for the light of day, 
Spake they of the light new-risen, 

But themselves saw not one ray. 

To the temple I was guided 

By the altar-fire and lights, 
But though all else was provided, 

Christ was absent from the rites. 




SLsra Bomcsttca* 



13 



Then more precious time I wasted 

In thy streets, Jerusalem, 
But I sought in vain, and hasted 

On my way to Bethlehem. 

In the streets I wandered slowly, 

Looking for some trusty guide ; 
All was dark and melancholy, 

None I met with far and wide. 
On a sudden I perceived 

O'er my head a star to shine ; 
Lo ! because I had believed, 

And had sought Him, Christ was mine. 

Only seek, and you will find Him, 

Never cease to seek the Lord ; 
And should He delay, remind Him 

Boldly of His plighted word. 
Follow Him, and He will lead you ; 

Trust Him in the darkest night ; 
Jacob's star will still precede you, 

Jacob's star will give you light. 



1 



14 



agra Botncsttcau 



PATIENCE. 




GENTLE angel wendeth 

Throughout this world of woe 
^V) "Whom God in inercy sendeth 
To comfort us below. 
Her looks a peace abiding 
And holy love proclaim ; 
follow then her guiding. 
Sweet Patience is her name ! 



She leads us through this tearful 

And sorrow-stricken land, 
And speaks, resigned and cheerful, 

Of better days at hand : 
And when thou art despairing, 

She bids thee clear thy brow, 
Herself thy burden sharing, 

More hopeful far than thou. 

She sobers into sadness 

Thy grief's excessive smart, 

And steeps in peace the madness 
And tumult of the heart. 



15 



The darkest hour she maketh 
As bright as sun at noon, 

And heals each wound that acheth, 
Full surely, if not soon. 

Thy falling tears she chides not, 

But pours in healing balm ; 
Thy longing she derides not, 

But makes devout and calm : 
And when in stormy seasons 

Thou askest, murmuring, why ? 
She giveth thee no reasons, 

But smiling points on high. 

To every doubt and question 

She cares not to reply ; 
" Bear on," is her suggestion, 

" Thy resting-place is nigh." 
Thus by thy side she walketh, 

A true and constant friend, 
Not overmuch she talketh, 

But thinks " happy end ! " 



16 saomenttca. 



WEEP NOT FOR ME, BUT WEEP FOR 
YOURSELVES. 

HEREFORE weep we over Jesus, 
O'er His death and bitter smart? 
Weep we rather, that He sees us 
Unconvinced and hard of heart: 
For His soul was never tainted 

With the smallest spot or stain, 
'Twas for us He was acquainted 
With such depths of grief and pain. 

Oh ! what profits it with groaning 
Underneath His cross to stand ; 
Ah ! what profits our bemoaning 

His pale brow and bleeding hand; 
Wherefore gaze on Him expiring, 
Railed at, pierced, and crucified, 
Whilst we think not of inquiring, 
Wherefore and for whom He died? 

If no sin could be discovered 

In the pure and spotless Lord, 
If the cruel death He suffered 
Is sin's just and meet reward: 




SLfira Jiomesttca* 



17 



Then it must have been for others 
That the Lord on Calvary bled, 

And the guilt have been a brother's, 
Which was laid upon His head. 

And for whom hath He contended 

In a strife so strange and new? 
And for whom to hell descended ? 

Brothers ! 'twas for me and you ! 
Now you see that He was reaping 

Punishment for us alone ; 
And we have great cause for weeping, 

Not for His guilt, but our own. 

If we then make full confession, 

Joined with penitence and prayer, 
If we see our own transgression 

In the punishment He bare, 
If we mourn with true repentance, 

We shall hear the Saviour say : 
" Fear not, I have borne your sentence, 

Wipe your bitter tears away." 



18 



EASTER DAY. 

UN, shine forth in all thy splendour, 

Joyfully pursue thy way, 
For thy Lord and my Defender 
Rose triumphant on this day. 
When He bowed His head, sore troubled 

Thou didst hide thyself in night ; 
Shine forth now with rays redoubled, 
He is risen who is thy light. 

Earth, be joyous and glad -hearted, 

Spread out all thy vernal bloom ; 
For thy Lord is not departed, 

He has broken through the tomb. 
When the Lord expired, wide-yawning 

Thy strong rocks were rent with fright; 
Greet thy risen Lord this morning, 

Bathed in floods of rosy light. 

Say, my soul, what preparation 
Makest thou for this high day, 

When the God of thy salvation 
Opened through the tomb a way ? 

Dwellest thou with pure affection 
On this proof of power and love ? 




Hgra Domestic** 



19 



Doth thy Saviour's resurrection 

Raise thy thoughts to things above ? 

Hast thou, borne on Faith's strong pinion, 

Risen with the risen Lord ? 
And, released from sin's dominion, 

Into purer regions soared? 
Or art thou, in spite of warning, 

Dead in trespasses and sin? 
Hath to thee the purple morning 

No true Easter ushered in ? 

then let not death o'ertake thee 

By the shades of night o'erspread ; 
See ! thy Lord is come to wake thee, 

He is risen from the dead. 
While the time as yet allows thee, 

Hear ; the gracious Saviour cries, 
" Sleeper, from thy sloth arouse thee, 

To new life at once arise ! 99 

See, with looks of tender pity 

He extends his wounded hands, 
Bidding thee, with fond entreaty, 

Shake off sin's enthralling bands : 
" Wait not for some future meetness, 

Dread no punishment from me, 
Rouse thyself and taste the sweetness 

Of the new life offered thee." 



20 



2,2^3 TBomsutitz. 



Let no precious time be wasted, 

To new life arise at length, 
He who death for thee hath tasted, 

For new life will give new strength. 
Try to rise, at once bestir thee, 

Still press on and persevere, 
Let no weariness deter thee, 

He who woke thee still is near. 

Waste not so much time in weighing 

© © 

When and where thou shalt begin ; 
Too much thinking is delaying, 

Rivets but the chains of sin. 
He will help thee, and provide thee 

"With a courage not thine own, 
Bear thee in His arms and guide thee, 

Till thou learn'st to walk alone. 

See ! thy Lord Himself is risen, 

That thou mightest also rise, 
And emerge from sin's dark prison 

To new life and open skies. 
Come to Him who can unbind thee, 

And reverse thy awful doom, 
Come to Him, and leave behind thee 

Thy old life — an empty tomb ! 



SLgra Bomrstfca* 21 




WHITSUNDAY. 

RAW, Holy Spirit, nearer, 
3 And in our hearts abide ; 
3) make our judgment clearer, 

Our minds inform and guide. 
come, Thou great Renewer, 
Touch heart and lip with fire; 
Make every bosom truer, 

Our aims and objects higher. 

O come, Thou true Consoler, 

Thou Fire, that warms the cold, 
The haughty breast's Controller, 

come and make us bold. 
On all sides danger threatens ; 

Lord, to our succour come, 
And arm us with the weapons 

Of early Christendom. 

Hard unbelief and folly 

The truth of God deny ; 
arm us, Lord most holy, 

With weapons from on high, 
With faith that never falters, 

Unmoved by fear or praise, 



22 



With love that never alters, 
And hope in darkest days. 

We need a free confession 

In this our lukewarm age, 
A frank and full profession 

In spite of scorn and rage ; 
To friend alike and foeman, 

On this or heathen ground, 
To every man and woman 

The Gospel trump to sound. 

Where'er Thy Word is sounded, 

In far and savage lands, 
The Heathen are confounded, 

And cast off Satan's bands. 
On every side they waken 

To hear Thy blessed Word : 
Shall it from us be taken, 

By us remain unheard ? 

On us, Thou most holy, 

Thy wrath doth justly fall, 
Who hear, yet, through our folly, 

Have not obeyed the call. 
Let us with deep prostration 

Implore God's grace, that thus 
The Word of His salvation 

Be not withdrawn from us. 



&gra Somcsttca* 



23 



Give power to those who witness 

And preach Thy holy Word, 
That all may taste its sweetness, 

And rally round the Lord. 
Be this our preparation, 

A heart and tongue of fire ! 
That this our proclamation 

May speed as we desire. 



24 



3L$za Somesttcau 



THE SPIRIT OF THE FATHERS, 

i 




PIRIT, by whose operation 
Faith and holiness proceed, 
Source of heavenly conversation. 
Strength in weakness, help in 



need ! 

Spirit, by whose inspiration 
Prophets and Apostles spake, 

Martyrs bled, and tribulation 
Saints endured for Jesus' sake ! 

Lord, endue us with Thy blessing, 

That, though babes we be in grace, 
Faith, and love, and zeal possessing 

For Thy house and holy place ; 
We may stake our dearest treasures, 

All the good things of this life, 
Honour, wealth, and darling pleasures, 

In the great and holy strife. 

Give us Abram's faith unshaken, 
That the promise must be true, 

And what God hath undertaken, 
He assuredly will do ; 



25 



Which not only could unmoved 
Trust the covenant of grace, 

But the thing which he most loved 
At the Lord's disposal place. 

Give us Joseph's chaste behaviour, 

When the world with crafty wiles 
Seeks to draw us from the Saviour 

To herself, with frowns or smiles. 
Give us grace and strength for shunning 

This ensnaring Potiphar, 
Wisdom to elude her cunning, 

Strength her open hate to bear. 

Give us Moses' intercession, 

When he pleaded, wept, and prayed, 
That the people's sore transgression 

Might not to their charge be laid. 
Let us not with selfish coldness 

See the sinner go astray, 
But with Moses' holy boldness 

Plead and wrestle, weep and pray. 

Give us David's bold defiance 

Of the Lord's and Israel's foes, 
And, in trouble, the reliance 

Which on God his rock he shows ; 
His right princely disposition, 

Friendship, constancy, and truth, 
But still more his deep contrition 

For the errors of his youth. 



26 



2L£ra Eomcsttcau 



Arm us with the stern decision 

Of Elijah, in these days, 
When men. led by superstition. 

To false Gods new altars raise. 
Let us shun the mere profession 

Common in our days and land, 
Witnessing a good confession, 

Even if alone we stand. 

Give us the Apostles' daring, 

And their bold undaunted mood, 
Threats and fierce reproaches bearing, 

To proclaim a Saviour's blood. 
Let us to the truth bear witness, 

Which alone can make us free, 
Nor leave off, until its sweetness 

All shall taste and know through Thee. 

Give us Stephen's look collected, 

And his cahn and cheerful mind, 
When we meet with unexpected 

Trials of the sharpest kind. 
In the midst of shouts and crying, 

Let us with composure stand, 
Open heaven to us in dying, 

Show us Christ at God's right hand. 

Spirit, by whose operation 

Faith and love and might are given, 
Source of holy conversation, 

Bearing seed and fruit for heaven ; 



2Lgra Boxntntitx. 



27 



Spirit, by whose inspiration 
Prophets and Apostles spake, 

Visit us with Thy salvation, 
Dwell with us for Jesus' sake. 



28 



&2ra Domtsttca. 



REST IN GOD. 

pflfSSli N vain thou seekest in thyself to 

l v 4^B.^>^' Light, life, and joy, or any last- 
£%.-"araj%* ing peace ; 

Return to God, seek Him with all thy mind, 
The one true source of life and happiness. 
Return to Him, poor erring child of man, 
Where first thy being and thy life began, 
Let all thy longings be to Him addre st, 
Then and then only shalt thou find true rest. 

But ah ! thou canst not go to Him, for see ! 

A mighty wall of separation stands 
Built up by sin between thy God and thee : 

Behold ! thy Saviour stretches out His hands, 
And opens to thee through His precious blood 
A way of peace and access to thy God : 
He, who broke down that wall and sets thee 
free, 

Hath borne thy guilt and thy iniquity. 

Lo ! thy Creator gave thee life at first, 
Thy Saviour doth a second life bestow ; 



ILsra Bomesttca* 



29 



He gives thee water to assuage thy thirst, 
A guide to lead thee through this vale of 
woe ; 

His Spirit giveth sight unto the blind, 
Peace to the heart and clearness to the mind, 
New strength and motives virtue to pursue, 
The love of God, and heaven itself in view. 

Behold thee now returned to thy true rest! 

Through the thin veil of time thy joyful eyes 
Discern the happy mansions of the blest 

And heaven's bright walls in dim perspective 
rise. 

In fear no longer of a Father s rod, 
Thou feel'st that thou art reconciled to God, 
And though thy troubles do not wholly cease, 
Hast a sweet foretaste of thy future bliss. 

Then seek not here in vain a resting-place, 
Nor in thyself expect to find repose ; 

Such seeking only aggravates thy case, 
And is embittered with a thousand woes ; 

Such seeking wearies, but can not impart 

The peace it longs for to the aching heart ; 

Sleep may weigh down the eyes by care op- 
prest, 

But heavy slumber is not peaceful rest. 

Cradle an infant on the softest bed, 

Soothe it with songs of lullaby to rest ; 



30 &fita Bomesttca* 



More gently will it lay its little head, 

More sweetly slumber on its mother's breast ; 
Where the first draught of health and life it 
found, 

There will its sleep be sweet, its slumber 
sound ; 

Return my soul to God, thine only rest, 
Then and then only art thou truly blest. 




2Lgta Bomesttar* 



31 



SELF-KNOWLEDGE. 



AN hath his anxious seasons, 
Much pain not understood ; 
Nor can he tell his reasons, 
Till he discovers God: 
When first he comprehendeth 

How just He is and true, 
His dream of goodness endeth, 
His sins come all to view. 




With Thee, Lord, acquainted, 

He learns to look within, 
And sees his heart is tainted, 

And full, alas ! of sin. 
From Thy great power he learneth 

How vile he is and base, 
His nakedness discerneth 

In Thy abounding grace. 

goodness past expression ! 

Which brings not to our view 
The height of our transgression, 

Until it shews us too 
A mode of expiation 

Through Christ's atoning blood, 



32 



&2ra Somcattca* 



A full and free salvation, 
And blissful rest with God! 

"What need we to content us, 

Since God gives us so much? 
What fears can now torment us ? 

Since His great love was such, 
That ere we comprehended 

Our sin, distress, and loss, 
The mighty work was ended 

Which saved us on the cross. 

Should greater be my gladness 

That Thou such love dost shew, 
Or greater still my sadness 

That I have grieved Thee so? 
Oh ! both alike are needful, 

To know how poor I be, 
And yet not be unheedful 

How rich I am in Thee. 

happy hour of sadness 
And pain not understood ! 

Which endeth in such gladness 

And everlasting £ood. 
Mine eyes upraised to heaven 

With tears of joy run o'er ; 

1 know I am forgiven ; 

Ah ! what can I want more ? 



&2ra 23omesttca* 



33 



THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD. 

HEAR my Shepherd calling, 

And instantly obey, 
And climb, though sometimes 
falling, 

The steep and rugged way. 
Though often at a distance 

I strive to follow still, 
And offer no resistance 

To His most blessed will. 

Thou shew'st Thyself the greatest 

When greatest my distress, 
Thy comforts are the sweetest 

In days of bitterness. 
Sometimes my courage fails me, 

My strength seems well nigh gone, 
But still Thy grace avails me, 

Thy strength still helps me on. 

Sometimes I sigh for morning 

In sorrow's gloomy night, 
When, lo ! already dawning, 

The day brings joy and light. 

3 




34 



ILfira Domestical 



Sometimes my griefs enclose me 

In every form and shape, 
But God in mercy shews me 

A method of escape. 

Sometimes dark thoughts steal o'er me 

Here in this vale of tears, 
The future spread before me 

So overcast appears ; 
The word of Thy salvation 

Speaks comfort to my breast, 
In midst of tribulation 

I find in Thee true rest. 

Old sins oft leave behind them 

Deep scars, which wound me still; 
Thou knowest how to bind them, 

And heal them with great skill. 
I often sink down weary 

And heart-sick on the road, 
But Thou art nigh to cheer me 

And ease me of my load. 

My gracious Guide and Master, 

Thy wandering sheep seek, 
Fain would I follow faster, 

But am, alas ! too weak : 
come to help and guide me, 

When I can not proceed, 
If Thou art, Lord, beside me, 

I must perforce succeed. 



Hgra Bomesttca* 



35 



Soon shall I cease to wander ; 

The day may be at hand 
When Thou shalt take me yonder 

To my dear Fatherland; 
There shall my chief employment 

Consist in praising Thee, 
With ever new enjoyment, 

Throughout eternity. 



36 



THE HOUR OF THE LORD. 

IS not yet the hour appointed! 

I make answer to my heart, 
When deprest and disappointed 
It is longing to depart : 
Wait awhile and hold thee still, 
He doth well who waits God's will. 

When a thousand griefs and troubles 
Leave no rest by day or night, 

When the storm its force redoubles, 
And is almost at its height ; 

Patiently abide His will 

At whose word the waves are still. 

Every vessel must be drained, 
Cups of joy and cups of grief, 

Trust in God with faith unfeigned, 
Look to Him for thy relief ; 

When all human counsel fails, 

Then it is that God prevails. 

When the flood is rising higher, 
Till it overflows the brink, 




SLgra Bomesttca. 



Then the Comforter draws nigher, 

Ah ! much nigher than we think, 
For it grieves Him to the heart 
To behold our bitter smart. 

Ah! it is with no hard Master, 
No hard Lord we have to do, 

If we bear each new disaster 
With calm faith and patience too, 

"We shall soon experience this : 

It will come, — that hour of bliss. 

Dost thou, heart, demand some token 
That the Lord will give thee rest ? 

Trust the word which He hath spoken, 
His own time must be the best; 

Suffer, trust, and hope on still, 

End right well it must and will. 

the hour of our exemption 

From all pain, distress, and woe ! 

O the hour of our redemption 

E'en from death our last grim foe ! 

Sweet as sunshine after shower 

Will be that all-glorious hour. 



m 



38 agra Bomesttcau 



I AM THINE. 

HY will I cheerfully obev, 
Both when Thou giv'st and tak'st 
away ; 

I follow, wheresoe'er Thou leadest, 
I shun whatever Thou forbidde st ; 
Do as Thou wilt. Lord, provided 
I never be from Thee divided. 

I am not bent on mine own will, 

But rather wish, devout and still, 

To make Thy blessed will and pleasure 

The rule by which mine own I measure ; 

To Thee alone my ways commending 

From the beginning to the ending. 

I were indeed a very fool 

To make mine own blind will my rule : 

I have a thousand times outwitted, 

Deceived, betrayed myself, and cheated, 

Xor have I ever found a blessing 

In ways self-chosen and self-pleasing. 

Through all my life how graciously 
Hast Thou, my Saviour, dealt with me ! 




Hgra Womt&ttzu. 39 



How often kept my feet from falling, 
And heard me e'en before my calling ! 
Nor should I e'er have chosen Thee, 
Hadst Thou not, Lord, first chosen me. 



40 ILgta Bomtnttta. 



SEE WHAT LOVE ! 

EE, see, what love the Father 

Hath bestowed upon our race, 
How He bends with sweet compas- 
sion 

Over us His beaming face ! 
See how He His best and dearest 

For the very worst hath given, 
His own Son for us poor sinners, 

See, O see, the love of heaven ! 

See, O see, what love the Saviour 

Also hath on us bestowed, 
How He bled for us and suffered, 

How He bare the heavy load! 
On the cross and in the garden 

Oh how sore was His distress ! 
Is not this a love that passeth 

Aught that tongue can e'er express ? 

See, O see, what love is shewn us 

Also by the Holy Ghost ! 
How He strives with us poor sinners 

Even when we sin the most, 




41 



Teaching, comforting, correcting, 
Where He sees it needful is ! 

what heart would not be thankful 
For a threefold love like this ? 



42 



2Lgra Jlomnsttca. 



I BELIEVE. 

BELIEVE, and so have spoken: 
Hear what God hath done for 
me ! 

I believe, and by this token 
I confess Him openly : 
That there is no name, whereby 
Sinners can be saved, but His, 
God Himself, the Lord Most High, 
Jesus Christ our Righteousness. 

I believe, and therefore ever 

Will I love my God and guide ; 
I believe, and therefore never 

Shall aught move me from His side; 
And to all will I declare, 

That my saving health is He, 
And that where He is not, there 

I wish not myself to be. 

I believe, and therefore shun not 
Troubles which the Lord ordains ; 

I believe, and therefore run not, 
But gird up my loins and reins ; 




Hgra Bomegtfca* 



43 



Many a victory have I won, 
Oft stood firm by sin enticed ; 

And by whom was all this done ? 
In Thy strength, Lord Jesus Christ. 

I believe, and therefore sink not 

Under grief, distress, and pain ; 
I believe, and therefore shrink not 

E'en from death, for death is gain : 
For He gives me health and strength 

Even in the last dread strife, 
And shall bring me safe at length 

Into everlasting life. 

Suffer not my faith to fail me, 

But uphold me with Thy hand, 
That, whatever foes assail me, 

I may reach the promised land. 
Jesus, Thou my Joshua be, 

Let me follow in Thy train, 
That I may at last with Thee 

In the heavenly Canaan reign. 



44 



&2ra BomcstCcar* 



I WILL ABIDE WITH THEE. 




"Jmgk%& Gladly would I go Thy way. 
Life in me Thy life produces. 

And gives vigour to my heart, 
As the vine doth living juices 
To the purple grape impart. 

Could I be in other places 

Half so happy as with Thee, 
Who so many gifts and graces 

Hast Thyself prepared for me ? 
No place could be half so fitted 

To impart true joy, I ween, 
Since to Thee. Lord, committed 

Power in Heaven and earth hath been. 

"Where shall I find such a Master, 
Who hath done my soul such good, 

And retrieved the great disaster 

Sin first caused, by His own blood ? 



ILsra Bomtntita. 



45 



Is not He my rightful owner, 
Who for me His own life gave ? 

"Were it not a foul dishonour 
Not to love Him to the grave ? 

Yes, Lord Jesus, I am ever 

Thine in sorrow and in joy ; 
Death the union shall not sever, 

Nor Eternity destroy. 
I am waiting, yea, am sighing 

For my summons to depart ; 
He is best prepared for dying 

Who in life is Thine in heart. 

Let Thy light on me be shining 

When the day is almost gone, 
When the evening is declining, 

And the night is drawing on : 
Bless me, my Father, laying 

Both Thy hands on my meek head, 
u Here thy day is ended," saying, 

" Yonder live the faithful dead." 

Stay beside me, when the stillness 

And the icy touch of death 
Fills my trembling soul with dullness, 

Like the morning's frosty breath ; 
As my failing eyes grow dimmer, 

Let my spirit grow more bright, 
As I see the first faint glimmer 

Of the everlasting light. 



46 



Bomcsttca, 



HEAVENLY GUIDANCE. 



RAISE, all praise, to Thee be given, 
t^&^P^ God the Father and the Son ! 
^:f^c5^'~_ On the earth and in the heaven 
z£tte&^h All has prospered Thou hast done. 
I confess with grateful feelings, 
TTise and good have been thy dealings ; 
They proclaim aloud, that he 
Is most blest who trusts in Thee. 



Blessed Lord, if Thou hadst led me 

As I foolishly desired. 
All the good I shunned forbid me, 

Given all that I required ; 
Hadst Thou punished me by granting 
All that I believed was wanting. 
"Words would not'. God. express 
What had been my wretchedness ! 

How can they, whose eyes are blinded 

'Mid the din and dust of earth. 
Find the pearl the heavenly-minded 

Deem of such transcendent worth ? 
Evil ways perversely choosing, 
And the right and true refusing. 
Farther every day they stray 
From the true and living way. 



ILfira Domesttca* 47 



He who wishes no conductor 

But the hand of his dear Lord, 
He who wishes no instructor 

But His Spirit and His word, 
He shall walk secure from dangers 
In a land of foes and strangers, 
Till at last the same wise hand 
Brings him to his Fatherland. 

Therefore with my God hereafter 

I will patiently abide, 
And in spite of sneers and laughter 

Make Him my support and guide. 
Since in God I have confided, 
I have been securely guided ; 
"What I have experienced, is 
My best pledge for future bliss. 

God hath said it, God hath said it, 

God hath said, and I obey ; 
God hath said it, God hath said it, 

And with joy I go my way : 
God so willeth, God so willeth, 
Every murmur sweetly stilleth, 
God so wills it, e'en hath power 
To make sweet the last dread hour. 



48 iLgta Bomtntita. 



TUEN AGAIN. 

URN, poor wanderer, ere the sen- 
tence 

Falls on thee which none can 
stay; 

Flee to Christ with deep repentance, 

Seek the Lord without delay. 
As thou art, with all thy burden, 
Come, and He will grant thee pardon : 
See ! He comes to meet thee, sealing 

With His own most holy word, 
Pardon, blessing, strength, and healing ; 

Turn, turn thee to the Lord. 

Flee from worldly dissipation, 

Commune with thy heart, be still ; 
God shall by thy renovation 
All thy best desires fulfil. 
There a peaceful calm awaits thee 
From the storm which agitates thee, 
There shalt thou discern the warning 
Of the Spirit in thy breast, 




2.2ra Bomesttca- 



49 



Pleading with thee, night and morning, 
Till He brings thee to thy rest. 

Lav aside all needless terrors, 

For thy Father's loving heart 
Offers pardon for thy errors, 

Balsam for thy keenest smart. 
Look on Him. whom thou hast wounded, 
Yet whose love hath so abounded, 
That He suffered to redeem thee ; 

Turn. turn again, nor fear, 
That thy Lord will yet condemn thee, 

TTho esteemed thy soul so dear. 

Drink in life with deep thanksgiving, 

Dwelling on this gracious theme, 
God is patient and forgiving, 

And almighty to redeem ; 
Not a grief, but He can feel it, 
Xot a wound, but He can heal it ; 
He hath balm for every sorrow, 

Cleansing for the vilest sin ; 
delay not till to-morrow 

What thou canst this day begin. 

Shake off all thy sloth and dulness, 
Linger not, nor take thine ease ; 

Come from emptiness to fulness, 
Shadows to realities, 
4 



50 Hgra 23ome8ttcau 



Out of dimness into clearness, 
Out of distance into nearness ! 
Come away from sin and sorrow, 

Come to Christ without delay ! 
Put not off until to-morrow 

What thy God will give to-day. 




fLgra tBomzntita. 



.51 




OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN. 

S a traveller, returning 

To his home from some far land, 
Thinks of it with bosom yearning, 
Ere his foot hath touched the 
strand ; 

So amid the noisy pleasures 

Of the world, the heart oft sighs 
For the nobler higher treasures 
Laid up for us in the skies. 

All our wish and our endeavour 

Is to love and please and choose 
Him, who loves us, nor will ever 

What is for our good refuse. 
When the soul without distraction 

Sits and listens at His feet, 
Then she finds true satisfaction 
And a happiness complete. 

Jesus, like the magnet, raises 

Our dull spirits to the skies, 
And we seem, in prayer and praises, 
As on eagles' wings to rise ; 



52 



&gra Domcsttca* 



'Why we feel this strong attraction, 
Why we wait for His command 

In each thought, and word, and action, 
Can the world not understand. 

Should our enemies asperse us, 

Our dear Lord, who loves us so, 
Bids us bless e'en them who curse us, 

And to love our greatest foe. 
He, who died for our salvation 

And on us hath heaven bestowed, 
"Wills that by our conversation 

We should glorify our God. 

Can we have our hearts in heaven, 

And yet earthly-minded live ? 
Can we, who have been forgiven, 

Not forget and not forgive ? 
Can we hate an erring brother, 

Only love when we are loved, 
And not bear with one another, 

By Christ's Holy Spirit moved ? 

Ah ! no hater, or blasphemer, 

None who slander and defame, 
Can be one with the Redeemer, 

Who was gentle as a lamb : 
Love will cause assimilation 

With the object of our love, 
Love will work a transformation 

And renewal from above. 



None, Lord, who are unholy, 

Shall Thy perfect beauty see ; 
Teach me to be meek and lowly, 

Teach me to resemble Thee. 
Keep me from the world unspotted, 

That I may not only be 
To Thy service here devoted, 

But abide in heaven with Thee. 




54 



STRONG m FAITH, RICH IX LOYE. 

ET me build on this secure founda- 
tion. 

Lord, my rock, my safety, and my 
sliield. 

Which Thy holy word for my salvation 
Hath in this accepted time revealed : 
Jesus Christ His glory hath forsaken, 
And our flesh and human nature taken, 

To redeem us by His death from death ; 
He hath died, that we might be forgiven, 
He hath died, that we may live in heaven, 
There by sight, and here meantime by faith. 

Plant in me a faith secure and stable 

In the work which Thou, God. hast planned, 
That no sneers nor my own doubts be able 

To destroy the faith wherein I stand. 
Give me Peter's sorrow and contrition, 
Let me witness also his confession, 

" Thou art Christ, to whom then shall I go ? " 
Like St. Paul's, let this be my endeavour, 
That the life I live I may live ever 

Through the faith of Him who loved me so. 




55 



Kindle by the Spirit's inspiration 

That undying love within my heart, 
Who, though crowned herself with Thy salvation, 

Yet prefers a servant's humble part, 
Who is meek and gentle in behaviour, 
Rich in faith, rejoicing in her Saviour, 

Calm and patient under every ill ; 
Suffers, hopes, believes all things, and blesses 
God alike in joy and in distresses, 

Ready both to bear and do His will. 

And so let me, loving and confiding, 

Walk conducted by Thy faithful hand, 
Or beneath Thy sheltering wings abiding 

Shun the foes which I can not withstand : 
Nor, when conquering, let me boast, but rather 
Clinging like a child unto its father, 

Smile securely in Thy firm embrace : 
Let me on Thy faithful word relying 
Clasp Thee with the arms of faith, till dying 

I at length behold Thee face to face. 




56 



ILfita IBomessttca* 




UNITY IN THE SPIRIT. 

K^RETHREN, called by one vocation, 
Members of one family, 
Heirs through Christ of one salvation. 
Let us live in harmony ; 
Nor by strife 
Embitter life, 

Journeying to eternity. 

In a land where all are strangers, 
And our sojourning so short, 

In the midst of common dangers, 
Concord is our best support : 

Heart with heart 

Divides the smart, 

Lightens grief of every sort. 

Let us shun all vain contention 

Touching words and outward things, 

Whence alas ! so much dissension 
And such bitter rancour springs : 

Troubles cease . 

Where Christ brings peace 

And sweet healing on His wings. 



&£ra Sonwsttca* 



57 



Judge not hastily of others, 
But thine own salvation mind ; 

Kor be lynx-eyed to thy brother's, 
To thine own offences blind; 

God alone 

Discerns thine own, 

And the hearts of all mankind. 

Let it be our chief endeavour, 
That we may the Lord obey, 

Then shall envy cease for ever, 
And all hate be done away ; 

Free from strife 

Shall be his life 

TTho serves God both night and day. 



58 iigra BomznUta. 



THE BLESSING OF CHRISTIAN FELLOW- 
SHIP. 

T is a practice greatly blest 

To speak, Lord Jesus Christ, of 
Thee; 

Thou art amongst us as a guest, 
We feel it, though we cannot see : 
We seem to breathe, in glad surprise, 

An atmosphere of love and bliss, 
And read within each other's eyes, 
To whom it is we owe all this. 




How quickly strife and envy end, 

How soon all idle griefs depart, 
When friend takes counsel thus with friend, 

When soul meets soul, and heart meets heart ; 
We have so many things to say, 

So many failings to confess, 
Time flies, alas ! so soon away, 

We cannot half we would express. 

How fain would we repeat again 

The touching tale of God's dear Son, 

His faithfulness and love to men, 

And the great things which He hath done ; 



59 



How He first touched our heart and feelings 
By joy and grief's alternate sway, 

And led us by His gracious dealings 
In safety to this very day. 

"We hear a still small voice within, 

When first He makes His presence known ; 
Blest hour ! when we confess our sin 

With many a self-accusing groan : 
When we bow down and humbly call 

On God to heal our bitter smart, 
We feel His Spirit gently fall 

Like dew upon our weary heart. 

We feel relieved from all distress, 

From anxious doubt and boding fear; 
We have a foretaste of our bliss, 

And breathe a purer atmosphere : 
We seem new creatures to become, 

New thoughts and hopes possess our mind ; 
Like wanderers returning home, 

We leave all former things behind. 

let us then, dear Lord, be blest 

With Thy sweet presence every day, 
Be with us as our daily guest 

And our companion on the way : 
Fan our devotion's feeble flame, 

Let us press on to things before, 
Bring us together in Thy name, 

Until we meet to part no more. 



60 



THE MISSIONARIES. 



LEST are ye, ye chosen bearers 

Of God's word to lands afar, 
Bidding all men to be sharers 
Of the joyful news ye bear. 
Onward, onward, boldly pressing 

Through the howling desert speed, 
God will crown your work with blessing, 
And give increase to the seed. 

High your Saviour's banner waving, 

Tell it forth, intrepid band, 
That His name alone is saving, 

That all power is in His hand. 
Be to all the world a witness 

Of the everlasting word, 
Teaching all to taste its sweetness, 

And confess that He is Lord. 




Arm, ye soldiers, though your weapons 
Be not spears or glittering swords, 

Press on still, though danger threatens, 
For the whole earth is the Lord's. 



61 



He who sent you will defend you, 
And your King and Shepherd be, 

Though like sheep 'mid wolves He send you, 
Ye shall wander glad and free. 

Love it was for one another 

Which first moved and urged you on, 
That to do for your poor brother 

Which the Lord for you hath done. 
Therefore seek ye neither pleasure, 

Honour, wealth, nor earthly good, 
No ! ye bear a nobler treasure, 

Peace through Jesus' precious blood, 

Bear all hardships unrepining, 

Scoffed at, answer not a word; 
For all lands shall soon be shining 

With the glory of the Lord. 
Blest are ye, brave standard-bearers, 

Witnesses for Christ to men, 
Ye shall in His joy be sharers, 

When your Lord shall come again. 

After all their tribulations, 

Thousands shall Hosanna sing, 
And the heavens with acclamations 

To their God and Saviour ring. 
Thousands then shall hail the teachers, 

Who first brought them to the Lord; 
Then shall be, ye faithful preachers, 

Your bright crown and sweet reward. 



62 



FAITHFULNESS IN LITTLE THINGS. 

HAT love is purest and most true, 
Which leans upon its Saviour's 
breast, 

And thinks with pleasure ever new 
How in all things to please Him best; 
Which in all things, not great alone, 

On serving Him is fully bent, 
And knowingly will not to one, 
No ! not the smallest sin consent. 

For know, my soul, the Lord will not 

Hold thy least service in contempt, 
For little acts are most from spot 

Of vanity and pride exempt: 
Begin then first with little things, 

The smallest sin avoid and hate ; 
Obedience to love adds wings, 

And little faith will grow to great. 

If thou avoidest but the great 

And grosser sins, from fear of shame, 

And dost the small ones tolerate, 
Thy love is but an empty name; 




ILgra Domestical 



63 



That is not loving Christ alone, 
That is but loving Him in part, 

Not doing His will, but thine own, 
Not serving Him with all thy heart. 

For he who is indeed the Lord's, 

Follows Him always, and will shun 
In all his actions, thoughts, and words, 

All sin, or an approach to one ; 
Seeks to promote his Saviour's praise 

In everything he doth and saith, 
And walks in His most holy ways, 

Partaker of His life and death. 

In every work, and at all hours, 

His chief aim is to serve his Lord 
With all his heart, and mind, and powers, 

In strict obedience to His word ; 
For Him he shrinks not night and day 

From hardship, trouble, loss, and woe ; 
It is enough for him to say ; 

" My Lord commands and wills it so." 

Wrestle, my soul, and strive and pray, 

Thyself to this true love to raise, 
That thus thou mayst from day to day 

Bring forth new fruit to His great praise : 
Study to please Him, and be true, 

My soul, in great and small things both, 
For earnest diligence may do 

What is impossible to sloth. 



64 



Say not, I will iu some great trial 

My constancy and truth maintain ; 
think of Peter's sad denial, 

And confidence, which proved so vain : 
Then learn to practise truth in small 

As well as in great things ; lest thou, 
Like Peter, should bewail thy fall, 

Thy faithlessness and broken vow. 



$L$za BomtnUta. 



65 



ABIDE IN JESUS. 

ABIDE, abide in Jesus, 

Who for us bare griefs untold, 
And Himself, from pain to ease us, 
Suffered pangs a thousandfold: 
Bide with Him, who still abideth 
When all else shall pass away, 
And as Judge supreme presideth 
In that dread and awful day. 

All is dying : hearts are breaking, 

Which to ours were once fast bound, 
And the lips have ceased from speaking, 

Which once uttered such sweet sound, 
And the arms are powerless lying, 

Which were our support and stay, 
And the eyes are dim and dying, 

Which once watched us night and day. 

Everything we love and cherish 

Hastens onward to the grave, 
Earthly joys and pleasures perish, 

And whate'er the world e'er gave; 
5 




66 



&£ta Bomestfca. 



All is fading, all is fleeing, 

Earthly flames must cease to glow, 
Earthly beings cease from being, 

Earthly blossoms cease to blow. 

Yet unchanged, while all decayeth, 

Jesus stands upon the dust; 
" Lean on me alone," He sayeth, 

" Hope and love and firmly trust ! 99 
abide, abide with Jesus, 

Who Himself for ever lives, 
Who from death eternal frees us, 

Yea, who life eternal gives. 



67 



BE EEADY, FOR THE DAYS ARE EVIL, 

ET me suffer wrong without com- 
plaining, 

While myself from doing wrong 
abstaining, 

Through Thy grace and strength, Lord, I 
pray! 

Let me never smite the hand that smites me, 
But do good to him who ill requites me; 
Thus prepare me for the evil day. 

Into Thine own image, Lord, transform me, 
To Thy gentle Spirit so conform me, 

That this lesson never may be lost, 
Not the poor oppressed, but the oppressor, 
Not the injured, but the proud transgressor, 

Is the man who needs our pity most. 

Though by cruel treatment oft incited, 
Thou hast never ill with ill requited, , 

Nor reviled hast Thou reviled again; 
Yet it must have grieved Thy holy nature, 
More, far more than me a sinful creature, 

To behold the wickedness of men. 




68 



Hfita Jiomesttcau 



Thou hadst power not only to create us, 
But to punish and annihilate us ; 

Yet so great, so wonderful Thy love ! 
That to save us from the doom impending, 
Thou didst give Thyself to death, descending 

To our depth from Thy great height above. 

My true Peace and Saviour, be Thou near me, 
That in suffering I may not grow weary ; 

Be Thou near me to direct my way; 
Strengthen Thou my soul when foes assail her, 
That Thy patient Spirit may not fail her ; 

Thus prepare me for the evil day. 

That herself in patience still possessing, 
She may find e'en woes to be a blessing, 

Nor account them strange when they arise ; 
Point her to the happy realms above. her, 
Where departed saints, who dearly love her, 

Wait to greet her in the opening skies. 



WLgva Uomestica* 69 



LONGING. 




THAT my soul might never lack 
The guidance of Thy gentle 
hand, 

But follow in the easy track 
Of Thy sweet will and wise command ! 
That I might find the Lord's employ 
Not a hard service but a joy ! 

that each word of Thine I thought 

Deserving of my high esteem, 
And all opposed to it as nought 

But falsehood and an idle dream! 
That my sole aim in all might be, 
To do, dear Lord, what pleases Thee ! 

that I made Thy word a light, 
My standard and my last appeal, 

To show me what is wrong or right, 
What hurtful, what for my true weal, 

Not ever doubtful what I would 

When I know plainly what I should. 



that to every word I paid 
A due observance and regard, 



70 



&sra Domestics, 



Nor sought Thy precepts to evade 

When clear, because they seem too hard, 
And that, albeit weak and faint, 
I followed them without complaint ! 

Then life were one consistent whole, 
Not a mixed web of ill and good, 

The full surrender of the soul, 
A victory over flesh and blood ; 

Then should I find, made glad and free, 

Thy service perfect liberty. 

make Thy precepts sweet to me 
By Thy good Spirit's gentle sway, 

And let my feet be led by Thee 

In Thine own true and perfect way ; 

Thy precepts are my life's true bliss, 

At once its rule and happiness. 

With all Thy law's exact demands 
make me by Thy grace content, 

That I may do what it commands, 
Not from the fear of punishment, 

No! but because my heart relies 

Upon Thy grace and sacrifice. 



8SS388S8 



71 



MY SOUL THIRSTETH AFTER THE LTV 
IX G GOD. 

g^^^gSK not, what it is that ails me, 
p||pPp^ Probe not deep my inward smart; 
cijKEM^ God ft i s Himself that fails me, 

Thirst for God consumes my heart ; 
For alas ! if He be wanting, 

Boundless wealth would leave me poor, 
Houseless, friendless, thirsty, fainting, 
Wandering from door to door. 

Riches, honour, pomp, and learning, 

Beauty, pleasure, science, art, 
Cannot satisfy my yearning, 

Cannot fill my aching heart ; 
Patience under tribulation, 

Strength to suffer, love, and live, 
Joy in death and consolation, 

God Himself alone can give. 

Idols of the heathen nations, 
Works of art and human skill, 

Cannot quench my aspirations, 
Nor my earnest longings still ; 



72 



Subtle thoughts and speculations 

Of past ages and our own 
Cannot reach my expectations, 

Which cry out for God alone. 

When shall I appear before Thee, 

When behold Thy glorious face, 
And with joyful lips adore Thee, 

In Thy full unclouded grace ? 
When shall love succeed to coldness, 

Confidence to doubt and fear, 
When shall I with childlike boldness 

To the throne of grace draw near? 

When will God be my sole treasure, 

When will He abide with me? 
When will His great will the measure 

Of my will and actions be? 
When will no thought ever enter 

Into heart and mind but this, 
In the Lord alone to centre 

Every hope of happiness ? 

No! the flame, which He hath lighted, 

Will not prove a flickering ray, 
He who hath this thirst excited, 

Will its longing quench one day ; 
When I quit this vale of sadness, 

And to brighter regions soar, 
I shall drink with joy and gladness 

Living waters evermore. 



&sra Bomcattca- 73 



ENCOURAGEMENT. 

ONG and toilsome is the road, 

Difficult the track, 
And beneath its heavy load 
Often bows our back, 
Yet our hearts feel no dismay ; 

Though our strength be small, 
On His strength we well may stay 
Who is Lord of all. 

Jesus never will forget us 

On His word we stay, 
That He will not leave, nor let us 

Perish on the way: 
Often when our strength appears 

To forsake us quite, 
Comfort whispers in our ears; 

"He will set all right." 

He who brought the crystal wave 

From its rocky bed, 
And the Prophet in the cave 

By the ravens fed; 
He who with a little bread 

Thousands satisfied, 




74 SLgra Bomtutttu. 



Can He not for those who need 
Even now provide? 

He who in His hands doth bear 

This terrestrial ball, 
And without whom not a hair 

From our head doth fall ; 
Who the great thinks not too great, 

Nor the small too small, 
Can He see our sad estate, 

Heedless of our call ? 

He who opened heaven to man, 

And hath plainly shewed 
By what way we may and can 

Reach that blest abode ; 
He who to prepare a place 

Hath such pains bestowed, 
Can He let His chosen race 

Perish on the road ? 

No ! He neither can nor will ; 

God is very good, 
And the promise will fulfil 

Sealed by His own blood. 
Courage then, tho' hard your lot, 

God can never lie, 
Lift your heads on high, fear not, 

Your redemption's nigh. 



75 



THE PLANT OF GOD'S PLANTING. 

XCITE in me, Lord, an ardent 
thirst 

After Thy kingdom and its right- 
ousness, 

And smite my stony heart, that tears may burst 

Of true repentance and of deep distress. 
Alas! the garden of my heart is cumbered 
With hidden tares and noxious weeds unnum- 
bered ; 

cleanse Thou me, that I may all my days 
Bring forth good fruit to Thy eternal praise ! 

1 know that from Thy fostering care proceed, 
Thou heavenly gardener, sower of the earth, 

The sprouting, growth, and ripening of the seed, 
Through all its stages from its earliest birth: 
There's not a flower so mean, nor blade that 
groweth, 

Whereon Thy love no tender care bestoweth; 
How sweet to think, Lord, that on Thee depend 
Germ, blossom, fruit, until my life shall end ! 

Thy hand first drew me from the earth's green 
lap, 

With light revived me, and with soft dew fed, 




76 



And when a storm befell me, the mishap 

Turned to my good, and raised my drooping 
head. 

From day to day Thy goodness more amazes, 
And fills my heart with gratitude and praises ; 
And thus I welcome, purging me from sin, 
Thy needful pruning and wise discipline. 




Hgra Bomcsttca- 77 



FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST. 

ATHER, whose hand hath led me 
so securely, 
Father, whose ear hath listened 
to my prayer. 
Father, whose eye hath watched o'er me so 
surely, 

Whose heart hath loved me with a love so 
rare ; 

Vouchsafe, heavenly Father, to instruct me 
In the straight way wherein I ought to go, 

To life eternal and to heaven conduct me, 
Through health and sickness, and through 
weal and woe. 

my Redeemer, who hast my redemption 
Purchased and paid for by Thy precious blood, 

Thereby procuring an entire exemption 

From the dread wrath and punishment of 
God ; 

Thou who hast saved my soul from condemna- 
tion, 

Redeem it also from the power of sin, 
Be thou the Captain still of my salvation, 
Through whom alone I can the victory win. 




78 



&2ta Bomtnttta. 



Holy Ghost, who from the Father flowest 

And from the Son, teach me how to pray; 
Thou, who the love and peace of God bestowest, 

With faith and hope inspire and cheer my way ; 
Direct, control, and sanctify each motion 

Within my soul, and make it thus to be 
Prayerful, and still, and full of deep devotion, 

A holy temple worthy, Lord, of Thee. 



79 



PILGRIM'S SONG. 

N COMPLAINING, though with 

care grown hoary, 
I desire to wear no crown of glory, 
Where my Saviour wore a crown 
of thorn; 

Not in paths of roses would I dally, 
Where my Saviour trod the gloomy valley, 
Where He suffered bitter pain and scorn. 

Lord, send forth Thy light and truth to lead 
me 

In the way, wherein Thy saints precede me, 

With the Holy Spirit for my guide ; 
Let me choose the path of self-denial, 
Shunning no sharp cross or bitter trial 
Which my Saviour's steps have sanctified. 

Give me, Thou, who art the soul's renewer, 
Steadfast faith, which day by day grows truer ; 

Kindle love, the fruit of faith, in me, 
Love, which puts the soul in active motion, 
Love, which fills the heart with true devotion, 

And which leads me thro' the world to Thee. 




80 



nigra Bomtnttta. 



Many a painful step must be ascended, 
Ere my weary pilgrimage is ended, 

And in heaven I see Thee face to face ; 
then reach Thy hand, dear Lord, to raise 
me ! 

For alas ! the giddy height dismays me, 

Guide, uphold me with Thine arm of grace ! 

On the wide world's ocean rudely driven, 
Let me gaze upon Thine own blue heaven, 

The sweet haven where I long to be; 
Give me now the comfort of possessing 
.What I value as the highest blessing, 

Perfect peace through steadfast faith in Thee. 

Here I am a sojourner and stranger, 
Worn with hardship and exposed to danger, 

Like a pilgrim with my staff in hand ; 
With the cross upon my breast I wander 
To the promised Canaan which lies yonder, 

My beloved and longed-for Fatherland. 



SLgra J&QttitnUta. 



81 




PARTING. 

OW mean ye thus by weeping 

To break my very heart ? 
We both are in Christ's keeping, 
And cannot therefore part ; 
Nor time, nor place, can sever 

The bonds which us have bound; 
In Christ abide for ever 

Who once in Him are found. 

As though to part for ever 

We press each other's hands, 
And yet no power can sever 

Our love's eternal bands ; 
We look quite broken-hearted, 

And sob our last farewell, 
And yet can not be parted, 

For both in Jesus dwell. 

We say " I here, you yonder," 

" You go, and I remain," 
And yet are not asunder, 

But links of one great chain ; 
6 



82 



&gra Bomestfcau 



In tones of deep affection 

" Our road parts here " we say, 
Yet go in one direction, 

And in the self-same way. 

Then let us cease from weeping, 

And moderate our woe, 
We both are in Christ's keeping, 

With whom we always go ; 
Both under His protection, 

Both led by His dear hand, 
Both in the same direction, 

To the same Fatherland. 

In fruitless lamentation 

Let us not waste the hours, 
But find our consolation 

In knowing Christ is ours ; 
If faith in Him unite us, 

Though parting gives us pain 
It cannot disunite us, 

For both in Him remain. 



&£ra Domesttca- 



83 



WHAT WE SHALL BE. 

HAT shall we be, and whither 
shall we go, 
When the last conflict of our life 
is o'er, 

And we return from wandering to and fro 
To our dear home through heaven's eternal 
door ! 

When we shake off the last dust from our feet. 
When we wipe off the last drop from our 
brow. 

And our departed friends once more shall greet, 
The hope which cheers and comforts us be- 
low ! 

What shall we be, when we ourselves shall see 
Bathed in the flood of everlasting light, 

And from all guilt and sin entirely free 

Stand pure and blameless in our Maker's 
sight ; 

No longer from HQs holy presence driven, 
Conscious of guilt, and stung with inward 
pain, 

But friends of God and citizens of heaven, 
To join the ranks of His celestial tram ! 




84 



What sliall we be, when we drink in the sound 

Of heavenly music from the spheres above, 
When golden harps to listening hosts around 

Declare the wonders of redeeming love ; 
When far and wide through the resounding air 

Loud Hallelujahs from the ransomed rise, 
And holy incense, sweet with praise and prayer, 

Is wafted to the Highest through the skies ! 

What shall we be, when the freed soul can rise 
With unrestrained and bold aspiring flight 

To Him, who by His wondrous sacrifice 

Hath opened heaven, and scattered sin's dark 
night ; 

When from the eye of faith the thin veil drops, 
Like wreaths of mist before the morning's 
rays, 

And we behold, the end of all our hopes, 
The Son of God in full refulgent blaze ! 

What shall we be, when we shall hear Him 

say ; 

" Come, ye blessed," when we see Him 
stand, 

Robed in the light of everlasting day, 

Before the throne of God at His right hand; 
When we behold the eyes from which once 
flowed 

Tears o'er the sin and misery of man, 



85 



And the deep wounds from which the precious 
blood, 

That made atonement for the world once 
ran ! 

What shall we be, when hand in hand we go 
With blessed spirits risen from the tomb, 

Where streams of living water softly flow, 
And trees still flourish in primeval bloom ; 

Where in perpetual youth no cheek looks old 
By the sharp tooth of cruel time imprest, 

Where no bright eye is dimm'd, no heart grows 
cold, 

No grief, no pain, no death invades the blest ! 

What shall we be, when every glance we cast 
At the dark valley underneath our feet, 

And every retrospect of troubles past 

Makes heaven brighter and its joys more 
sweet ; 

When the remembrance of our former woe 
Gives a new relish to our present peace, 
And draws our heart to Him, to whom we 
owe 

Our past deliverance and our present bliss ! 

What shall we be, who have in Christ be- 
lieved, 

What through His grace will be our sweet 
reward ! 



86 



2Lijra Bomtutita. 



Eye hath not seen, ear heard, or heart con- 
ceived, 

What God for those who love Him hath 
prepared : 

Let us the steep ascent then boldly climb, 
Our toil and labour will be well repaid ; 

Let us haste onward, till in God's good time 
We reap the fruit, a crown that doth not 
fade. 



PART II. 



&2ta Borocssttca- 



89 



THE CHILD JESUS. 




f^?OST Thou in a manger lie, 
) Who hast all created, 
zJ Stretching infant hands on high, 
Saviour long awaited ? 
If a monarch, where Thy state ? 
Where Thy court on Thee to wait ? 

Royal purple where ? 
Here no regal pomp we see, 
Nought but need and penury, 
Why thus cradled here ? 

" Pitying love for fallen man 

Brought me down thus low, 
For a race deep lost in sin 

Rushing into woe. 
By this lowly birth of mine 
Countless riches shall be thine, 

Matchless gifts and free. 
Willingly this yoke I take, 
And this sacrifice I make, 

Reaping joys for thee." 



90 



Fervent praise would I to Thee 

Evermore be raising, 
For Thy wondrous love to me, 

Praising, praising, praising. 
Glory, glory, be for ever 
Unto that most bounteous Giver, 

And that loving Lord ! 
Better witness to Thy worth, 
Purer praise than ours on earth, 

Angels' songs afford. 



SLgra Bomesttca* 



91 



THE INCARNATION AND PASSION. 

ORD, when Thou didst thyselfe un- 
I!«^W/SSS dress e, 

Laying by Thy robes of glory, 
To make us more Thou wouldst be 
lesse, 

And becam'st a wofull story. 

To put on clouds instead of light, 

And cloathe the morning-starre with dust, 

Was a translation of such height 

As, but in Thee, was ne'er exprest. 

Brave wormes and earth ! that thus could have 

A God enclosed within your cell, 

Your Maker pent up in a grave, 

Life lockt in death, heaven in a shell. 

Ah, my dear Lord ! what couldst Thou spy 

In this impure, rebellious clay, 

That made Thee thus resolve to die 

For those that kill Thee every day ? 

what strange wonders could Thee move 

To slight Thy precious blood and breath? 

Sure it was Love, my Lord ; for Love 

Is only stronger far than death ! 



92 



&sra Domestic** 



A CHILD AT PRAYER. 

XEEL, my child, for God is here ! 
Bend in love, and not in fear 
Kneel before Him now in prayer ; 
Thank Him for His constant care ; 
Praise Him for His bounty shed 
Every moment on thy head ; 
Ask Him to point out thy way, 
And to guard thee through the day ; 
Ask Him still to watch and keep 
Thee in the silent hours of sleep ; 
Ask for light to know His word ; 
Ask for love to shed abroad ; 
Pray for strength, for thou art weak, 
And for grace and mercy seek ; 
Ask for faith, to bear thee on, 
Through the might of Christ, His Son: 
Pray for mercy in His name 
Who from heaven to save thee came ; 
Ask His Spirit still to guide thee 
Through the ills that may betide thee ; 
Ask for peace to lull to rest 
Every tumult of the breast ; 
Ask His soul-sustaining truth, 
As the spring-dew of thy youth ; 




&£ta Bonwsttca. 



93 



Ask His promises to bless 
Thee in Thy age's helplessness ; 
Ask in awe, but not in fear ; 
Kneel, my child, for God is here. 
God thy father is, and friend, 

Thy only stay, thy only trust ; 
He loves thee, and His wings extend 

To shield thee, though a child of dust. 
Love Him then, for he is good ; 

Sink before Him — He is wise ; 
Life and health, and rest and food, 

He still ordains, and still supplies. 
Love Him — for He loveth thee, 

Bendeth now thy prayer to hear ; 
Kneel, then, in deep humility, 

And pray, my child, for God is near. 



94 2Lgra Bomcsttcau 



HE GOETH BEFORE THEM. 

ORD, it belongs not to my care, 

Whether I die or live ; 
To love and serve Thee is my share, 
And this Thy grace must give. 

If life be long, I will be glad 

That I may long obey ; 
If short, yet why should I be sad 

To soar to endless day ? 

Christ leads me through no darker rooms 
Than He went through before ; 

He that unto God's kingdom comes 
Must enter by His door. 

Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet 

Thy blessed face to see ; 
For if Thy work on earth be sweet, 

What will Thy glory be? 

Then shall I end my sad complaints, 

And weary sinful days, 
And join with the triumphant saints 

That sing Jehovah's praise. 




ILsra Bamessttcau 



95 



My knowledge of that life is small, 

The eye of faith is dim ; 
But 'tis enough that Christ knows all, 

And I shall be with Him. 



A MORNING HYMN. 

DAY-SPRING from on high, 
Cause pass away our night, 
Clear first our morning sky, 
And after shine Thou bright. 

Of lights Thou art the light, 
Of righteousness the sun ; 

Thy beams they are most bright, 
Through all the world they run. 

0, of all lights the light, 
The light that is most true, 

Now banish Thou our night, 
And still our light renew. 

Thy face now to us shew, 
Son of God most dear! 

Morning Star most true, 

Make Thou our darkness clear. 




96 



THE AGED BELIEVER. 

ITH years oppressed, with sorrow 
worn, 

Dejected, harassed, sick, forlorn, 
To Thee, God, I pray : 
To Thee my withered hands arise, 
To Thee I lift these failing eyes, 
cast me not away ! 

Thy mercy heard my infant prayer, 
Thy love, with all a mother's care, 

Sustain'd my childish days: 
Thy goodness watched my ripening youth, 
And formed my heart to love Thy truth, 

And filled my lips with praise. 

Saviour, has Thy grace declined ? 
Can years affect the Eternal Mind? 

Or time its love decay ? 
A thousand ages in Thy sight, 
And all their long and weary flight, 

Is gone like yesterday. 

Then, even in age and grief, Thy name, 
Shall still my languid heart inflame, 




Hgra Domcsttca* 



97 



And bow my faltering knee ; 
yet this bosom feels the fire, 
This trembling hand and drooping lyre, 

Have yet a strain for Thee. 

Yes ! broken, tuneless, still, Lord, 
This voice, transported, shall record 

Thy goodness, tried so long ; 
Till, sinking slow with calm decay, 
Its feeble murmurs melt away 

Into a seraph's song. 



7 




* 

98 &gra Jlomesttcau 



THE ANGEL OF PATIENCE. 

weary hearts, to mourning homes 
God's meekest Angel gently comes ; 
No power has he to banish pain, 
Or give us back our lost again ; 
And yet in tenderest love, our dear 
And Heavenly Father sends him here. 

There's quiet in that angel's glance, 

There's rest in his still countenance ! 

He mocks no grief with idle cheer, 

Nor wounds with words the mourner's ear; 

But ills and woes he may not cure 

He kindly trains us to endure. 

Angel of Patience ! sent to calm 
Our feverish brows with cooling balm; 
To lay the storms of hope and fear, 
And reconcile life's smile and tear ; 
The throbs of wounded pride to still, 
And make our own our Father's will ! 

Oh! thou who mournest on thy way, 
With longings for the close of day ; 




09 



He walks with thee, that Angel kind, 
And gently whispers, "Be resigned : 
Bear up, bear on, the end shall tell 
The dear Lord order eth all things well ! 99 



'-THE PRAYERS I MAKE." 

HE pray'rs I make will then be 
sweet indeed, 
If Thou the spirit give by which 
I pray; 

My unassisted heart is barren clay, 
That of its native self can nothing feed ; 
Of good and pious works Thou art the seed, 

That quickens only where Thou say'st it 
may. 

Unless Thou show to us Thy own true way, 
No man can find it : Father ! Thou must 
lead ; 

Do Thou, then, breathe those thoughts into 
my mind 

By which such virtue may in me be bred 
That in Thy holy footsteps I may tread ; 

The fetters of my tongue do Thou unbind, 
That I may have the power to sing to Thee ! 
And sound Thy praises everlastingly. 




ioo %Lvva BomtnUta. 



THE HOUR OF PRAYER. 

Y GOD ! is any hour so sweet, 

From blush of morn to evening star, 
As that which calls me to Thy feet, 
The hour of prayer? 

Blest is the tranquil hour of morn, 

And blest that hour of solemn eve, 
When, on the wings of prayer upborne, 
The world I leave. 

Then is my strength by Thee renewed; 

Then are my sins by Thee forgiven ; 
Then dost Thou cheer my solitude 
With hopes of heaven. 

No words can tell what sweet relief 
There for my every want I find ; 
What strength for warfare, balm for grief, 
What peace of mind. 

Hushed is each doubt, gone every fear ; 

My spirit seems in heaven to stay; 
And e'en the penitential tear 
Is wiped away. 




&gra Domtsttca. 101 



" GIVE ME THINE HEART." 
jf§>IVE me thine heart but as I gave 



To purchase thine. 
I halv'd it not when I did die ; 
But wholly gave myself to set thee free. 

The heart I gave thee was a living heart ; 

And when thy heart by sin was slain, 
I laid down mine 
To ransom thine, 
That thy dead heart might live again, 
And live entirely perfect, not in part. 

But whilst thine heart's divided, it is dead : 
Dead unto me, unless it live 
To me alone ; 
It is all one 
To keep all, and a part to give : 
For what's a body worth without an head ! 




it thee : 
Or give it me at least as I 
Have given mine 



Yet this is worse, that what thou keep'st from me 
Thou dost bestow upon my foes : 



102 



agta Domestic^ 



And those not mine 
Alone, but thine ; 
The proper causes of thy woes. 
From whom I gave my life to set thee free. 

Have I betrothed thee to myself, and shall 
The devil and the world intrude 
Upon my right. 
E'en in my sight ? 
Think not thou canst me so delude : 
I will have none, unless I may have all. 

I made it all. I gave it all to thee, 
I gave all that I had for it : 
If I must lose, 
I'd rather choose 
Mine interest in all to quit : 
Or keep it whole, or give it whole to me. 



ILfira Hotttesttca* 103 



THE INVALID'S HYMN, 

THOU, whose wise paternal love 
Hath brought my active vigour 
down, 

Thy choice I thankfully approve ; 
And prostrate at Thy gracious throne 
I offer up my life's remains, — 
I choose the state my God ordains. 

Cast as a broken vessel by, 
Thy will I can no longer do ; 

Yet while a daily death I die, 

Thy power I may in weakness show ; 

My patience may Thy glory raise, 

My speechless woe proclaim Thy praise. 

But since without Thy Spirit's might, 
Thou know'st I nothing can endure, 

The help I ask in Jesus' right ; 

The strength He did for me procure, 

Father, abundantly impart, 

And arm with love my feeble heart. 

This single good I humbly crave — 
This single good on me bestow ; 




104 &gra momtztita- 



And when my one desire I have, 

Let every other blessing go ! 
Ah ! do not, Lord, my suit deny, 
I only want to love and die. 

Or let me live, of love possessed, 
In weakness, weariness, and pain ; 

The anguish of my labouring breast, 
The daily cross, I still sustain 

For Him that languished on the tree, 

But lived before He died for me. 



&2ta Bomcattca- 105 



THE COVENANTER'S SCAFFOLD SONG. 

ING with me ! Sing with me ! 
Weeping brethren sing with me ! 
For now an open heaven I see, 
And a crown of glory laid for me. 
How my soul this earth despises ! 
How my heart and spirit rises ! 
Bounding from the flesh I sever ; 
"World of sin, farewell for ever ! 

Sing with me ! Sing with me ! 
Friends in Jesus, sing with me ! 
All my sufferings, all my woe, 
All my griefs I here forego. 
Farewell terrors, sighing, grieving, 
Praying, hearing, and believing ; 
Earthly trust and all its wrongings, 
Earthly love — and all its longings ! 

Sing with me ! Sing with me ! 
Blessed spirits sing with me ! 
To the Lamb our song shall be, 
Through a glad eternity ! 




106 HLgra Bomesttca* 



Farewell earthly morn and even, 
Sun and moon, and stars of heaven ; 
Heavenly portals ope before me, 
Welcome, Christ, in all Thy glory ! 



"IT IS WELL." 

ELOVED, " It is well." 

God's ways are always right ; 
And love is o'er them all, 
Though far above our sight. 

Beloved, "It is well." 

Though deep and sore the smart, 
He wounds who skills to bind 

And heal the broken heart. 

Beloved, "It is well." 

Though sorrow clouds our way, 
Twill make the joy more dear 

That ushers in the day. 

Beloved, " It is well." 

The path that Jesus trod, 
Though rough and dark it be, 

Leads home to heaven and God. 




SLgra Donusttca. 



107 



HEAVENLY TEACHING. 

IS not the skill of human art 
Which gives me power my God 
to know ; 
The sacred lessons of the heart 
Come not from instruments below. 

Love is my teacher. He can tell 
The wonders that He learnt above ; 

No other master knows so well, 
'Tis Love alone can tell of Love ! 

Oh! of God if thou wouldst learn, 
His wisdom, goodness, glory, see, 

All human arts and knowledge spurn, 
Let Love alone thy teacher be. 

Love is my master, when it breaks 
The morning light with rising ray; 

To Thee, God, my spirit wakes, 
And Love instructs it all the day. 

And when the gleams of day retire, 
And midnight spreads his dark control, 

Love's secret whispers still inspire 
Their holy lessons in the soul. 




108 JLgra HBomesttcau 




WHEN WE FIRST AWAKE. 

EAR God ! that watch doth keep 
Round all that honour Thee, 
g) Vouchsafing Thy beloved sleep 
When rest shall needful be ; 
My soul returns Thee praise, 
That thus refresh'd I am ; 
And that my tongue a voice can raise, 
To praise Thee for the same. 

As now my soul doth shake 

Dull sleep out of her eyes ; 
So let Thy Spirit me awake, 

That I from sin may rise. 
The night is past away, 

Which fill'd us full of fears ; 
And we enjoy the glorious day, 

Wherein Thy grace appears. 

Oh ! let me, therefore, shun 

All errors of the night ; 
Thy righteousness let me put on, 

And walk as in the light : 



HLgra Bomtntita. 109 



And guard me from his power, 

Since I on Thee rely, 
Who walks in darkness to devour 

When our long sleep draws nigh. 

Yea, when the trump shall sound 

Our summons from the grave, 
Let this my body from the ground 

A blessed rising have. 
That, whatsoe'er the dreams 

Of my corruption be, 
The vision of Thy glorious beams 

May bring full joys to me. 




no Hgra Somcsttcau 



THE PALMER'S MORNING H1MSL 

AL^DED be Thy name for ever, 
Thou, of life the guard and giver ! 
Thou canst guard Thy creatures 
sleeping. 

Heal the heart long broke with weeping, 
And all the fury subject keep 
Of boiling cloud and chafed deep! 
I have seen, and I well know it ! 
Thou hast done, and Thou wilt do it ! 
God of stillness, and of motion ! 
Of the rainbow and the ocean ! 
Of the mountain, rock, and river ! 
Blessed be Thy name for ever ! 
I have seen Thy wond'rous might 
Through the shadows of the night ! 
Thou who slumb'rest not, nor sleepest, 
Blest are they Thou kindly keepest! 
Spirits from the ocean under, 
Liquid flame, and levell'd thunder, 
Need not waken, nor alarm them — 
All combined, they cannot harm them. 
God of evening's yellow ray ; 
God of yonder dawning day, 




Efira Bomesttca* 111 



That rises from the distant sea 
Like breathings of eternity ! 
Thine the flaming sphere of light ! 
Thine the darkness of the night ! 
Thine are all the gems of even, 
God of angels ! God of heaven ! 
God of life, that fade shall never, 
Glory to Thy name for ever! 




LUTHER'S PRAYER. 

UR God, our Father, with us stay, 
And make us keep Thy narrow 
way; 

Free us from sin and all its power ; 
Give us a joyful dying hour; 
Deliver us from Satan's arts, 
And let us build our hopes on Thee, 
Down in our very heart of hearts ! 
God, may we true servants be, 
And serve Thee ever perfectly. 
Help us, with all Thy children here, 
To fight and flee with holy fear; 
Flee from temptation, and to fight 
With Thine own weapons for the right; 
Amen, amen, so let it be ! 
So shall we ever sing to Thee, 
Hallelujah ! 



112 



ILgra tBontcsttcau 



"HE GIYETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP." 

F all the thoughts of God that are 
Borne inward unto souls afar 

Along the Psalmist's music deep — 
Now tell me if that any is, 
For gift or grace surpassing this, 
" He giveth His beloved sleep." 

What would we give to our beloved ? 
The hero's heart to be unmoved — 

The poet's star-tuned harp to sweep — 
The senate's shout to patriot vows — 
The monarch's crown to light the brows? 

" He giveth His beloved sleep." 

" Sleep soft, beloved," we sometimes say, 
But have no tune to charm away 

Sad dreams that through the eyelids creep : 
But never doleful dream again 
Shall break the happy slumbers when 

"He giveth His beloved sleep." 

O earth, so full of dreary noises! 
men, with wailing in your voices ! 




&gra Bameatfcau 113 



delved gold, the wailer's heap ! 

strife, curse, that o'er it fall, 

God makes a silence through you all — 
" He giveth His beloved sleep." 

His dew drops mutely on the hill, 
His cloud above it saileth still, 

Though on its slope men toil and reap ; 
More softly than the dew is shed, 
Or cloud is floated overhead, 

"He giveth His beloved sleep." 

He ! men may wonder while they scan 
A living, thinking, feeling man, 

In such a rest his heart to keep ; 
But angels say, and through the word, 

1 ween their blessed smile is heard — 
"He giveth His beloved sleep." 



8 



114 agra Bomtutita. 



CHARITY. 

^^^gENTLE as if descended from the 

^j^^Bp^ lovely as an angel form 

g&ll^i*© must be, 

A spirit, as methought, before mine eyes, 

Amidst the sons of earth stole silently. 
I watch'd her progress, as she seemed to shun 

The eyes of all who would have known the 
cause 

Why she was bless'd with murmurs of 
applause. 

When issuing from the homes of wretched- 
ness 

She fed the hungry, clothed nakedness — 
Watch'd with the mourner, and upbraided none; 
But, as the Saviour of the world before 
Had done, she bade them go, and sin no 
more. 

'Twas then I knew the angel form to be 
The heaven-born spirit — hallow'd Charity. 



&sra Bomtntita. lis 



THE PURIFIER OF SILVER. 

E that from dross would win the 
precious ore, 
Bends o'er the crucible an ear- 
nest eye, 

The subtle, searching process to explore, 

Lest the one brilliant moment should pass 

by, 

When in the molten silver's virgin mass 
He meets his pictured face as in a glass. 

Thus in God's furnace are His people tried, 
Thrice happy they who to the end en- 
dure! 

But who the fiery trial may abide ? 

Who from the crucible come forth so 
pure, 

That He whose eyes of flame look through the 
whole 

May see His image perfect in the soul? 

Nor with an evanescent glimpse alone, 
As in that mirror the refiner's face, 




116 &£ra Somesttcau 



But, stampt with heaven's broad signet, there 
be shown 

Immanuers features full of truth and grace ; 
And round that seal of love this motto be, 
" Not for a moment, but — eternity." 



SONG IN THE NIGHT. 

N pity, my most tender God 
Now takes from me His rod, 
And the transporting ease I feel 
Enkindles in me ardent zeal, 
That love, joy, praise, may all combine, 
To sing infinity of Love Divine. 

My love, joy, praise, all powers within, 
Your heavenly task begin ! 
My love shall ever keep on wing, 
Incessantly shall heavenward spring ; 
Love the Beloved still keeps in mind, 
Loves all day long, and will not be confined. 




&£ra Bamestttau 117 



THE DAWNING. 

J®2fi|S5^ H ! what time wilt Thou come ? 
Ill^^iP^l when shall that cry 

^^^ ^ ^^ The Bridegroom's coming ! fill the 

Shall it in the evening run, 

When our words and works are done ? 

Or will Thy all-surprising light 

Break at midnight, 
When either sleep, or some dark pleasure 
Possesseth mad man without measure ? 
Or shall these early fragrant hours 

Unlock thy bowers ? 
And with their blush of light descry 
Thy locks crown'd with eternity ? 
Indeed, it is the only time 
That with Thy glory doth best chime ; 
All now are stirring : every field 

Full hymns doth yield; 
The whole creation shakes off night, 
And for thy shadow looks the light ; 
Stars now vanish without number, 
Sleepy planets set and slumber, 



118 Hgra ISomesttcau 



The pursy clouds disband and scatter, 
All expect some sudden matter ; 
Not one beam triumphs, but from far 
That morning-star. 

at what time soever Thou, 

Unknown to us, the heavens wilt bow, 

And, with Thy angels in the van, 

Descend to judge poor careless man, 

Grant, I may not like puddle lie 

In a corrupt security, 

Where, if a traveller water crave, 

He finds it dead, and in a grave. 

But as this restless vocal spring 

All day and night doth run and sing, 

And though here born, yet is acquainted 

Elsewhere, and flowing keeps untainted ; 

So let me all my busy age 

In Thy free services engage ; 

And though, while here, of course I must 

Have commerce sometimes with poor dust, 

And in my flesh, though vile and low, 

As this doth in her channel flow, 

Yet let my course, my aim, my love, 

And chief acquaintance be above ; 

So when that day and hour shall come, 

In which Thyself will be the sun, 

Thou'lt find me drest and on my way, 

Watching the break of Thy Great Day. 



&2ta Bomesttca* 119 



* GOD MANIFEST IN FLESH." 

H, mystery transcending thought, 
By prophets and apostles taught ! 

Here, all our powers adore : 
God was made manifest in Man ; 
The Word, who was ere time' began, 
Our mortal nature wore. 

He came to make the Father known : 
Through all His works the Godhead shone 

Omnipotent, benign : 
The Cross His power to save expressed : 
He rose in majesty confessed, 

In spirit all divine. 

Angels who hailed His wondrous birth 
Attended all His steps on earth ; 

With awe and glad surprise 
They saw the tempter's malice foiled, 
Death vanquished, and the grave despoiled ; 

They saw the Conqueror rise. 

By faithless Judah not received, 
On Him the wondering world believed; 
Like light His kingdom spread. 




120 Efita Bomtntita. 



Assembled round their Risen Lord, 
Numbers beheld Him and adored 
The First-born from the dead. 

Not long must earth her Lord detain; 
Lo ! He ascends as Son to reign 

Upon His Father's throne ; 
Then Priest and King abiding still, 
He comes, His promise to fulfil, 

When all His power shall own. 



&gra 29ottttsttca. 121 




SUNDAY. 

DAY most calm, most bright, 
The fruit of this, the next world's 
bud, 

TV indorsement of supreme de- 
light, 

Writ by a friend, and with his blood ; 

The couch of time; care's balm and bay; 
The week were dark, but for thy light: 
Thy Torch doth show the way. 

The other days and thou 
Make up one man ; whose face thou art, 

Knocking at heaven with thy brow : 
The working-days are the back part ; 
The burden of the week lies there, 
Making the whole to stoop and bow, 
Till thy release appear. 

Sundays the pillars are, 
On which heaven's palace arched lies: 

The other days fill up the spare 
And hollow room with vanities. 

They are the fruitful beds and borders 
In God's rich garden : that is bare 

Which parts their ranks and orders. 



122 



ZLfita Domestic** 



The Sundays of man's life, 
Threaded together on time's string, 
Make bracelets to adorn the wife 
Of the eternal glorious King. 

On Sunday heaven's gate stands ope; 
Blessings are plentiful and rife, 
More plentiful than hope. 

This day my Saviour rose, 
And did enclose this light for His : 

That, as each beast his manger knows, 
Man might not of his fodder miss. 

Christ hath took in this piece of ground, 
And made a garden there for those 

"Who want herbs for their wound. 

Thou art a day of mirth : 
And where the week-days trail on ground, 

Thy flight is higher, as thy birth : 
let me take thee at the bound, 

Leaping with thee from seven to seven, 
Till that we both, being toss'd from earth, 
Fly hand in hand to heaven ! 




JLgra Bonusttcau 123 



THANKFULNESS. 

THANK Thee, my God, who 
made 
The earth so light, 
So full of splendour and of joy, 
Beauty and bright ; 
So many glorious things are here, 
Noble and right. 

I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made 

Joy to abound, 
So many gentle thoughts and deeds 

Circling us round ; 
That in the darkest spot on earth 

Some love is found. 

I thank Thee more, that all our joy 

Is touched with pain ; 
That shadows fall on brightest hours, 

That thorns remain ; 
So that earth's bliss may be our guide, 

And not our chain. 

For Thou who knowest, Lord, how soon 

Our weak heart clings, 
Hast given us joys, tender and true, 




124 



Yet all with wings, 
So that we see, gleaming on high, 
Diviner things. 

I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept 

The best in store ; 
We have enough, yet not too much 

To long for more ; 
A yearning for a deeper place 

Not known before. 

I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls, 

Though amply blest, 
Can never find, howe'er they seek, 

A perfect rest, 
Nor ever shall, until they lean 

On Jesus' breast. 



&gra JBomesttcau 125 



HYMN. 




S ROM the recesses of a lowly spirit 
g My humble prayer ascends, Father, 
^ hear it ! 



Upsoaring on the wings of fear and 



meekness, 



Forgive this weakness. 



I know, I feel, how mean and how unworthy 
The trembling sacrifice I pour before Thee. 
What can I offer in Thy presence holy 



For in Thy sight, who every bosom vie west, 
Cold are our warmest vows, and vain our truest 
Thoughts of a heavenly hour ; our lips repeat 



We see Thy hand — it leads us — it supports 
us — 

We hear Thy voice — it counsels and it courts 
us ; 

And then we turn away — and still Thy kind>- 
ness 

Pardons our blindness. 



But sin and folly ? 



them, 

Our hearts forget them. 



126 agra Bomesttca* 



And still Thy rain descends, Thy sun is glow- 
ing, 

Fruits ripen round, flowers are beneath us 
blowing ; 

And, as if man were some deserving creature, 
Joys cover nature. 

Oh, how long-suffering, Lord ! but Thou de- 
lightest 

To win with love the wandering — Thou in- 
vitest 

By smiles of mercy, not by frowns or terrors, 
Man from his errors. 

Who can resist Thy gentle call — appealing 
To every generous thought and grateful feeling ? 
That voice paternal, whispering, watching ever ? 
My bosom ? Never. 

Father and Saviour ! plant within that bosom 
These seeds of holiness, and bid them blossom 
In fragrance, and in beauty bright and vernal, 
And spring eternal. 

Then place them in those everlasting gardens 
Where angels walk, and seraphs are the ward- 
ens, 

Where every flower that creeps through death's 
dark portal 

Becomes immortal. 



ILgra Bomesttca- 127 



m THE FIELD. 

IGHTING the battle of life ! 

With a weary heart and head, 
For in the midst of the strife 
The banners of joy are fled. 

Fighting the whole day long — 

With a very tired hand ; 
With only my armour strong, 

The shelter in which I stand. 

There is nothing left of me : 
If all my strength were shewn, 

So small the amount would be, 

Its presence would scarcely be known. 

Fighting alone to-night — 

With not even a stander-by 
To cheer me on in the fight, 

Or to hear me when I cry. 

Only the Lord can hear, 

Only the Lord can see 
The struggle within, how dark and drear, 

Though quiet the outside be. 




128 &£ra JSomesttca* 



Lord, I would fain be still 
And quiet behind my shield ; 

But make me to love Thy will 
For fear I should ever yield. 

Nothing but perfect trust, 

And love of Thy perfect will, 

Can raise me out of the dust, 
And bid my fears be still. 

Even as now my hands, 

So doth my folded will 
Lie waiting Thy commands 

Without one anxious thrill. 

Lord, fix my eyes upon Thee, 

And fill my heart with Thy love ; 

And keep my soul till the shadows flee, 
And the light breaks forth above. 



Tffi Tfti jfti 

y y v V 



Hfita Homeattca* 129 



"THY WILL BE DONE." 

Y God, my Father, while I stray 
Far from my home, in life's rough 
way, 

Oh teach me from my heart to say, 
" Thy will be done." 

Though dark my path, and sad my lot, 
Let me " be still " and murmur not ; 
Or breathe the prayer, divinely taught, 
" Thy will be done." 

What thougn in lonely grief I sigh 
For friends beloved, no longer nigh ? 
Submissive still I would reply, 

" Thy will be done." 

If Thou shouldst call me to resign 
What most I prize, it ne'er was mine : 
I only yield Thee what was Thine ; 

" Thy will be done." 

Should pining sickness waste away 
My life in premature decay, 
My Father ! still I strive to say, 
" Thy will be done." 

9 




130 Hjjra Homesttcau 



If but my fainting heart be blest 
With Thy sweet Spirit for its guest, 
My God ! to Thee I leave the rest, 
" Thy will be done." 

Renew my will from day to day ; 
Blend it with Thine, and take away 
All that now makes it hard to say 
" Thy will be done." 

Then, when on earth I breathe no more 
The prayer half-mixed with tears before, 
I'll sing, upon a happier shore, 

" Thy will be done." 



23omeattca* 131 



SEEKING. 

E'LL seek Thy face at early dawn 
When clouds and darkness veil 
the sky, 
Upon the rising mists of morn 
Confess our errors in a sigh, 
And the first beam that shines above 
Shall glow with Thy forgiving love. 

Then will the clouds that linger oft 
About the region of the breast, 

Like those that faint in light aloft, 
Flee far away and give us rest ; 

While every darksome grief shall be 

Dispelled by glory shed from Thee. 

Give us the faith to feel and know 
That Thou art mirrored full and true 

Within the breast, as Thou dost show 
Thy sun amid a drop of dew. 

And thus from sleep Thy saints upraise, 

To seek Thy face in prayer and praise. 




132 Hgra Borotsttcau 



TEOUBLE. 

ROM out the depths of misery I 
cry 

To Thee, Lord, and that most 
earnestly ; 

Prayers intermixed with sighs and tears 
My soul sends up into Thine ears. 
I pour out all my moan 
Before Thee, Thee alone, 
And for relief 
Show Thee my grief. 

Lord, when my troubled spirit could not rest 
For anguish of my mind, Thou knewest best 
What way to help me, and did see 
A path through all to set me free. 
Thy foes, and mine, do lay 
Snares for me, in my way 
One did privily 
In ambush lie. 

I looked on every side, but I could see 
None who would know, and much less succour 
me. 




My friends revolted totally, 
On whom I used to rely ; 

All ways to 'scape by flight 
Were stopped, and shut up quite, 
And none did care 
My soul to spare. 

Thus troubled ; laid on wait for ; desolate ; 
Enclosed round ; and thus disconsolate ; 
I cried to Thee, Lord, and said, 
Thou art my hope, my help, my aid, 
The rock I build upon; 
My lot, my portion, 
For this life, and 
A better land. 



HE A YEN OPENED. 

F there be a heaven so fair 

O'er us ever shining, 
We shall never enter there 
By looking up and pining. 
In one holy, quiet thought, 
Heaven to us is nearer brought, 
Than in all the radiance bright, 
Of a thousand worlds of light. 




134 2Lgra Domestical 



EVENING LIGHT. 

^TL^S^ E HOLD the western evening-li^ht ! 
£^»£©}jKS It melts in deepening gloom ; 
^?S31j So calmly Christians sink away, 
B iy£?o^2 Descending to the tomb. 

The winds breathe low ; the withering leaf 

Scarce whispers from the tree ; 
So gently flows the parting breath, 
TThen good men cease to be. 

How beautiful on all the hills 

The crimson light is shed ! 
? Tis like the peace the Christian gives 
To mourners round his bed. 

How mildly on the wandering cloud 

The sunset beam is cast ; 
'Tis like the memory left behind, 
"When loved ones breathe their last. 

And now above the dews of night 

The vesper-star appears ; 
So faith springs in the heart of those 
Whose eyes are bathed in tears. 




2Lgra Bomesttca, 



135 



But soon the morning's happier light 

Its glory shall restore, 
And eyelids that are sealed in death, 

Shall wake, to close no more. 



?S!p||9^ AVIOUE of mankind, man, Emman- 



The first-fruits of the grave, whose life did give 
Light to our darkness, in whose death we live ! 

strengthen Thou my faith, correct my will, 
That mine may Thine obey ! Correct me still, 
So that the latter death may not devour 

My soul seal'd with thy seal ; so in the hour 
When Thou, whose body sanctified Thy tomb, 
Unjustly judg'd, a glorious Judge shalt come 
To judge the world with justice, by that sign 

1 may be known and entertained for Thine. 




uel, 

Who sinless died for sin, who van- 
quish'd hell, 



136 &gra HBomtnUta. 



GRAY HAIRS. 

HESE hairs of age are messengers, 
Which bid me fast, repent, and 
pray ; 

They be of death the harbingers, 
That do prepare and dress the way ; 
Wherefore, I joy that you may see 
Upon my head such hairs to be. 

They be the lines that lead the length 
How far my race was for to run ; 

They say my youth is fled with strength, 
And how old age is well begun ; 

The which I feel, and you may see 

Such lines upon my head to be. 

They be the strings of sober sound, 

Whose music is harmonical ; 
Their tunes declare a time from ground 

I came, and how thereto I shall ; 
Wherefore I love that you may see 
Upon my head such hairs to be. 

God grant to those that white hairs have, 
No worse them take than I have meant ; 




Hgra Homesttcau 137 



That after they be laid in grave, 

Their souls may joy, their lives well spent ; 
God grant, likewise, that you may see 
Upon my head such hairs to be. 



MY BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAY. 

OEN unto God in Christ — in Christ 
my all? 

What that earth boasts were not 
lost cheaply, rather 
Than forfeit that blest name, by which we call 
The Holy One, the Almighty God, our 
Father! 

The heir of heaven, henceforth I dread not 
death ; 

In Christ I live, in Christ I draw the breath 
Of the true life. Let sea, and earth, and sky 

Wage war against me ; on my front I show 
Their mighty Maker's seal ! In vain they try 

To end my life, who can but end its woe. 
Is that a deathbed where the Christian lies ? 
Yes, but not Ms ; 'tis death itself that dies ! 




138 



THE CITY OF GOD. 

thee, dear, dear country, 

Mine eyes their vigils keep ; 
For very love beholding 
Thy happy name, they weep ; 
The mention of thy glory 
Is unction to the breast, 
And medicine in sickness, 
And love, and life, and rest. 

Brief life is here our portion, 

Brief sorrow, short-lived care ; 
The life that knows no ending, 

The tearless life, is there. 
one ! only mansion ! 

Paradise of joy! 
Where tears are ever banished, 

And joys have no alloy. 

Beside thy living waters, 

All plants are great and small — 
The cedar of the forest, 

The hyssop on the wall. 
Thy ageless walls are bounded 

With amethyst unpriced, 




&2ra Sonusttca. 139 



The saints build up its fabric, 
And the corner-stone is Christ. 

Thou hast no shore, fair ocean, 

Thou hast no time, bright day, 
Dear fountain of refreshment 

To pilgrims far away. 
Upon the Eock of Ages 

They raise the holy tower; 
Thine is the victor's laurel, 

And thine the golden dower. 

They stand, those halls of Sion, 

Conjubilant with song, 
And bright with many an angel, 

And many a martyr throng. 
The Prince is ever in them, 

The light is aye serene, 
The pastures of the blessed 

Are decked in glorious sheen. 

There is the throne of David, 

And there from toil released 
The shout of them that triumph, 

The song of them that feast. 
And they beneath their Leader, 

Who conquered in the fight, 
Forever and forever 

Are clad in robes of white. 



140 &2ta ZSomesttca* 



A MIDNIGHT HYMN. 

N the mid silence of the voiceless 
night, 

When, chased by airy dreams, the 
slumbers flee, 
Whom in the darkness doth my spirit seek, 
God, but Thee ? 

And if there be a weight upon my breast, 

Some vague impression of the day foregone ; 
Scarce knowing what it is, I fly to Thee, 
And lay it down. 

Or if it be the heaviness that comes 

In token of anticipated ill — 
My bosom takes no heed of what it is, 
Since 'tis Thy will. 

For 0, in spite of past and present care, 

Or anything beside — how joyfully 
Passes that almost solitary hour, 

My God, with Thee! 

More tranquil than the stillness of the night, 

More peaceful than the silence of that hour, 
More blest than anything, my bosom lies 
Beneath Thy power. 




2L2ta JBomtntita. ill 



For what is there on earth that I desire, 

Of all that it can give or take from me ? 
Or whom in heaven doth my spirit seek, 
God, but Thee? 



TOO LATE, YET NOT TOO LATE. 

LAS, that I not earlier knew Thee, 
Whom no man ever fully knows ' 
That I not earlier clove unto Thee 
Thou highest bliss and true repose 

how my heart with sorrow burns 
That it so late to love Thee learns. 

1 went astray in passion's mazes, 

I sought but found Thee not, my sight 
"Was dazed with earthly glory's blazes, 

Enamored of created light ; 
But now at length, all praise to Thee, 
Thro' faith thy beauteous face I see. 

True sun! I thank thee thou hast given 
The glorious light of truth to me ; 

I thank thee, holy joy of Heaven, 

That thou hast made me glad and free ; 

I thank Thee, Thou Power divine, 

That kindled this new life of mine. 




142 



CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

MMORTAL babe, who this dear 
day 

Didst change Thine heaven for our 
clay, 

And didst with flesh the Godhead vail, 
Eternal Son of God, all hail ! 

Shine, happy star ; ye angels sing 

Glory on high to Heaven's King ! 

Run, shepherds, leave your nightly watch, 

See Heaven come down to Bethlehem's cratch. 

Worship, ye sages of the east, 

The King of gods in meanness drest. 

O blessed maid, smile and adore 

The God thy womb and arms have bore. 

Star, angels, shepherds, and wise sages, 
Thou virgin, glory of all ages, 
Restored frame of heaven and earth, 
Joy in your dear Redeemer's birth. 




Somesttca* U3 



I WILL KEEP THEE. 

HITS said Jesus : — I will keep 
In safety my defenceless sheep 
From sin and endless misery, 
Seeking soul, I will keep thee. 

Soul. 

Lord, I believe Thy word is sure, 
But I am ignorant and poor, 
My goodness reaches not to Thee, 
For mercy's sake, wilt Thou keep me ? 

Jesus. 

I passed by the rich and brave, 
Thee, needy soul, I came to save ; 
The poor in spirit blessed be — 
Oh ! trust me then, I will keep thee. 

Soul. 

But, Lord, I have a deeper wound, 
An evil heart within I've found ; 
My nature's enmity with Thee, 
Offended King, wilt Thou keep me ? 




144 &2ta JSomesttcau 



Jesus. 

Of old thy evil I beheld, 
Yet was with love and pity filled ; 
I therefore died to set thee free — 
For my own sake I will keep thee. 

Soul. 

Yea, I have proved Thy power, my God, 
And felt Thy efficacious blood ; 
But sin remains, though it I flee — 
Wilt Thou preserve backsliding me? 

Jesus. 

Before I wrought upon thy will 
I knew how treacherously thou wouldst deal; 
I did thy base transgressions see, 
And yet resolved I would keep thee ; 
But thou shalt conqueror be at length, 
Till then I will renew thy strength, 
Sin shall not have the victory ; 
Only believe — I will keep thee. 

Soul. 

Permit me once again to speak — 
Sometime Thy face in tears I seek, 
And oft a gloomy vail I see : 
Canst Thou be wroth, and yet keep me? 



iLgra Bomtntita. 145 



Jesus. 

Let then this answer thee suffice : 
In anger I do not chastise : 
More fervent be thy cry — thy plea — 
And as I live I will keep thee; 
But if thou forsake thy God, 
Then will I visit with the rod ; 
I may correct to a degree, 
Nevertheless I will keep thee. 

Soul. 

But, ah ! I feel temptation strong, 
And if my journey should be long, 
I fear I shall dishonour Thee : 
Wilt Thou continue to keep me ? 

Jesus* 

Can I forsake my heart's delight? 
Thy end is precious in my sight; 
I conquered Death on Calvary, 
And from its sting I will keep thee. 
I will be near thy dying bed — 
Amid the waves sustain thy head; 
My rod, my staff, thy help shall be, 
In perfect peace I will keep thee. 
I am the ark that goes before 
To guide the pilgrim safe to shore ; 
At my rebuke shall Jordan flee — 
In life, in death, I will keep thee* 
10 



146 SLfira Bomesttta* 



Then, then, my sister and my spouse, 
I will fulfil my sacred vows ; 
And thou in bliss my glory see, 
When on my breast I Ve placed thee. 

Soul. 

It is enough, my Lord ! my Love ! 
The hills, the mountains must remove ; 
But I shall still unshaken be — 
The word is passed, Thou wilt keep me. 



SLgra momtntttx* 147 



GOD WITH US. 

HILE to Bethlehem we are going, 
Tell me now, to cheer the road, 
Tell me why this lovely Infant 
Quitted His divine abode ? 
"From that world to bring to this 
Peace ; which of all earthly blisses 
Is the brightest, purest bliss." 

Wherefore from His throne exalted 
Came He on this earth to dwell ; 
All His pomp a humble manger, 
All His court a narrow cell? 

" From that world to bring to this 
Peace ; which of all earthly blisses 
Is the brightest, purest bliss." 

WTiy did He, the Lord eternal, 

Mortal pilgrim deign to be; 
He who fashioned for His glory 
Boundless immortality ? 

" From that world to bring to this 
Peace ; which of all earthly blisses 
Is the brightest, purest bliss." 




148 agra JDomestfca* 



THE CHILD'S PLEA. 

UFFER me to come to Jesus, 
Mother, dear, forbid me not; 
By His blood from hell He frees us, 
Makes us fair without a spot. 

Suffer me, my earthly father, 

At His pierced feet to fall. 
Why forbid me ? Help me rather : 

Jesus is my all in all. 

Suffer me to run unto Him; 

Gentle sisters, come with me. 
Oh that all I love but knew Him, 

Then my home a heaven would be. 

Loving playmates, gay and smiling, 
Bid me not forsake the cross ; 

Hard to bear is your reviling, 
Yet for Jesus all is dross. 

Yes, though all the world have chid me, 

Father, mother, sister, friend, 
Jesus never will forbid me, 

Jesus loves me to the end! 




2Lgra Bomtntita. 149 



Gentle Shepherd, on Thy shoulder 
Carry me, a sinful lamb ; 

Give me faith, and make me bolder, 
Till with Thee in heaven I am. 




COMFORT. 

©gjPjS^PEAK to me, my Saviour, low 
and sweet 
From out the hallelujahs — sweet 
and low, 

Lest I should fear, fall, and miss Thee so 
Who art not miss'd where faithful hearts en- 
treat : 

Speak to me as to Mary at Thy feet ; 

And if no precious gums my hands bestow, 

My tears fall fast as amber. Let me go 
In reach of Thy divinest voice complete 

With humanest affection, there in sooth 
To lose the sense of losing, as a child, 
Its song-bird being lost, fled evermore, 

Is sung to in its stead by mother's mouth ; 
Till, sinking on her breast, love reconciled, 
He sleeps the faster that he wept before. 



150 agra Bomcsttca* 



BATTLE-SONG OF GUSTAYUS ADOLPHUS. 



EAR not, little flock, the foe 
1|| Who madly seeks your overthrow, 
Dread not his rage and power. 
What though your courage some- 
times faints, 
His seeming triumph o'er God's saints 
Lasts but a little hour. 




Be of good cheer ; your cause belongs 
To Him who can avenge your wrongs, 

Leave it to Him our Lord. 
Though hidden yet from all our eyes, 
He sees the Gideon who shall rise 

To save us and His word. 



As true as God's own word is true, 
Not earth or hell with all their crew 

Against us shall prevail. 
A jest and by -word are they grown ; 
God is with us, we are His own, 

Our victory cannot fail. 

Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer ! 
Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare ; 



Domestical 



151 



Fight for us once again ! 
So shall the saints and martyrs raise 
A mighty chorus to Thy praise, 

World without end. Amen. 



THE DARK ANGEL. 

OUXT each affliction, whether light 
or grave, 
God's messenger sent down to thee. 
Do thou 

With courtesy receive him : rise and bow ; 
And ere his shadow pass thy threshold, crare 
Permission first his heavenly feet to lave ; 

Then lay before him all thou hast ; allow 

No cloud of passion to usurp thy brow 
Or mar thy hospitality ; no wave 

Of mortal tumult to obliterate 
Thy soul's marmoreal calmness. Grief should 
be 

Like joy, majestic, equable, sedate, 
Confirming, cleansing, raising, making free : 
Strong to consume small troubles ; to commend 
Great thoughts, grave thoughts, thoughts last- 
ing to the end. 




152 iigra Bomnrttcau 



WHEN WE CANNOT SLEEP. 

HAT ails my heart, that in my 
breast 
It thus unquiet lies ; 
And that it now of needful rest 
Deprives my tired eyes ? 
Let not vain hopes, griefs, doubts, or fears, 

Distemper so my mind ; 
But east on God thy thoughtful cares, 
And comfort thou shalt find. 

In vain that soul attempteth aught, 

And spends her thoughts in vain, 
Who by or in herself hath sought 

Desired peace to gain. 
In vain as rising in the morn 

Before the day appear; 
In vain to bed we late return, 

And lie unquiet there. 

For when of rest our sin deprives, 

When cares do waking keep ; 
'Tis God, and He alone, that gives 

To His beloved sleep. 




&2ra IBomtntiza. us 



On Thee, Lord ! on Thee therefore, 

My musings now I place : 
Thy free remission I implore, 

And Thy refreshing grace. 

Forgive Thou me, that when my mind 

Oppress'd begun to be, 
I sought elsewhere my peace to find, 

Before I came to Thee. 
And, gracious God ! vouchsafe to grant, 

Unworthy though I am, 
The needful rest which now I want, 

That I may praise Thy name. 



154 &gra Somesttca* 



THE GLORY RESERVED. 

INCE o'er Thy footstool here below 

Such radiant gems are strewn, 
O what magnificence must glow, 
My God ! about Thy throne ! 
So brilliant here those drops of light, 
Where the full ocean rolls, how bright ! 

If night's blue curtain of the sky, 

With thousand stars inwrought, 
Hung like a royal canopy 

With glittering diamonds fraught, 
Be, Lord, Thy temple's outer veil — 
What splendour at the shrine must dwell? 

The dazzling sun, at noontide hour, 

Forth from his flaming vase, 
Flinging o'er earth the golden shower 

Till vale and mountain blaze, 
But shews, Lord ! one beam of Thine, 
What, then, the day where Thou dost shine! 

Ah ! how shall these dim eyes endure 
That noon of living rays ; 




Hgra Bomestfca* 155 



Or how my spirit, so impure, 

Upon Thy glory gaze ? 
Anoint, O Lord ! anoint my sight, 
And robe me for that world of light. 



HINDRANCE. 

HOU cam'st not to thy place by ac- 
cident, 

It is the very place God meant for 
thee; 

And shouldst thou there small scope for action 
see, 

Do not for this give room to discontent ; 
Nor let the time thou owest to God be spent 
In idly dreaming how thou mightest be, 
In what concerns thy spiritual life, more free 
From outward hindrance or impediment. 
For presently this hindrance thou shalt find 
That, without which all goodness _ were a task 
So slight that Virtue never could grow strong, 
And would st thou do one duty to His mind, 
The Imposer's — overburdened thou shalt ask 
And own thy need of grace to help, ere long. 




156 iisra Bowesttca* 



ABIDE IN ME AND I IN YOU. 

HAT mystic word of Thine, sov- 
ereign Lord, 
Is all too pure, too high, too deep 
for me ! 

Weary of striving, and with longing faint, 
I breathe it back again in prayer to Thee. 

Abide in me, I pray, and I in Thee ! 

From this good hour, leave me never more! 
Then shall the discord cease, the wound be healed, 

The life-long bleeding of the soul be o'er. 

Abide in me — o'ershadow by Thy love 

Each half-formed purpose and dark thought 
of sin; 

Quench ere it rise each selfish, low desire, 
And keep my soul as Thine, calm and di- 
vine : 

As some rare perfume in a vase of clay 
Pervades it with a fragrance not its own, 

So, when Thou dwellest in a mortal soul, 
All heaven's own sweetness seems around it 
thrown. 




157 



The soul alone, like a neglected harp, 

Grows out of tune, and needs that Hand di- 
vine. 

Dwell Thou within it, tune and touch the chords 
Till every note and string shall answer Thine. 

Abide in me ; there have been moments pure, 
When I have seen Thy face and felt Thy 
power ; 

Then evil lost its grasp, and passion, hush'd, 
Owned the divine enchantment of the hour. 



These were but seasons beautiful and rare; 

Abide in me and they shall ever be; 
I pray Thee now fulfil my earnest prayer, 

Come and abide in me, and I in Thee. 



158 



GIVE EAR, O LORD. 
^rfcjMlVE ear, Lord, to hear 



That puts her trust in Thee, 
And mercy grant to purge my sins — 
Mercie, good Lord, mercie ! 

My soul's desire to drink 

From fountain of Thy grace, 
To slake this thirst, God, vouchsafe, 
And turn not off Thy face ; 
But bow Thy bending ear 
"With mercy when I cry, 
And pardon grant for sinful life, — 
Mercie, good Lord, mercie! 

Behold, at length, Lord, 
My sore repentant mind, 
Which knocks with faith, and hopes thereby 
Thy mercies great to find. 




&gra Domestical 



159 



Thy promise thus hath past, 
From which I will not fly, 
Who doth repent, trusting in Thee, 
Shall taste of Thy mercie. 



MILTON ON HIS BLINDNESS. 

HEN I consider how my light is 
spent, 

Ere half my days, in this dark 
world and wide, 
And that one talent which is death to hide 
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more 
bent 

To serve therewith my Maker, and present 
My true account, lest He, returning, chide — 
" Doth God exact day-labour light denied ? " 
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent 
That murmur, soon replies — God doth not need 
Either man's work or His own gifts : who best 
Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best : 
His taste 

Is kingly ; — thousands at His bidding speed 
And post o'er land and ocean without rest : 
They also serve who only stand and wait ! 




160 mommita. 



MORNING. 

EE, the star that leads the day 
Rising, shoots a golden ray 
To make the shades of darkness go 
From heaven above and earth below, 
And warn us early with the sight, 
To leave the beds of silent night. 

From a heart sincere and sound, 
From its very deepest ground, 
Send devotion up on high 
Wing'd with heat, to reach the sky. 
See, the time for sleep has run ! 
Rise before or with the sun. 

Lift thy hands, and humbly pray 

The fountain of eternal day, 

That, as the light, serenely fair, 

Illustrates all the tracts of air, 

The sacred Spirit so may rest 

With quick'ning beams upon thy breast, 

And kindly clear it all within 

From darker blemishes of sin, 

And shine with grace until we view 

The realm it gilds with glory too. 




Hgra Bomtutitz. 161 



See the day that dawns in air 
Brings along its toil and care. 
From the lap of night it springs 
With heaps of business on its wings. 
Prepare to meet them in a mind 
That bows submissively resigned ; 
That would to works appointed fall, 
That knows that God has ordered all. 

And whether with a small repast 
We break the sober morning fast, 
Or in our thoughts and houses lay 
The future methods of the day, 
Or early walk abroad to meet 
Our business with industrious feet ; 
Whate'er we think, whate'er we do, 
His glory still be kept in view. 

O, Giver of eternal bliss, 

Grant, heavenly Father ! grant me this ! 

Grant it to all, as well as me, 

All those whose hearts are fix'd on Thee, 

Who revere Thy Son above, 

Who Thy Sacred Spirit love. 



11 



162 n^ra Bomcsttcau 



MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT. 




" Sufficient is niy grace for thee." 



Though trials often here, and care, 
This weary heart of mine must share, 
How comforting Thy word to me, 
"My grace sufficient is for thee." 

Thus I can triumph in distress, 
And find that even pain can bless. 
Feeling how sure Thy word to me, 
" Sufficient is my grace for thee." 

Thy love I know, Lord, can shed 
Its beams o'er every path I tread, 
Reviving me and teaching me, 
" Sufficient is my grace for thee." 

For Thou canst feel each grief / feel, 
Canst sympathize, sustain, and heal, 
And sweetly bring the truth to me, 
" Thy grace sufficient is for me." 



2Lgra Bomtntita. 163 



O Saviour ! grace on me bestow, 
Then though my tears may sometimes flow, 
The precious truth my faith shall see, 
" My grace sufficient is for thee." 

And when I see Thee in the light 
Thy matchless glory makes so bright, 
Then shall I own, adoring Thee, 
" Sufficient was Thy grace for me." 



164 SLgra Bomtutita. 



THE CHILD'S PRAYER. 




OD of mercy, God of love. 
Hear me from Thy throne above; 
Teach me now in truth to pray, 
Take my sinful heart away. 



Often I offend the Lord, 
I neglect Thy holy Word ; 
Break Thy blessed Sabbath day — 
Take my rebel heart away. 

When my friends and teachers kind 
Bid me their instructions mind, 
Then I talk or idly play — 
Take my careless heart away. 

Oft I disobedient grow, 
And ungrateful tempers show; 
Evil things I do and say — 
Take my wicked heart away. 

When of Jesus' love I'm told, 
My heart how very dull and cold. 
Oh ! to me that love display — 
Take my stony heart away. 



JBomtutita. 165 



Mould my nature all afresh, 
Give to me the " heart of flesh ; " 
For I know that grace divine 
Changes even hearts like mine. 

» 



THE COMFORTER. 

N the hour of my distress, 
When temptations me oppress, 
And when I my sins confess, 
Sweet Spirit, comfort me! 

When I lie within my bed, 
Sick in heart and sick in head, 
And with doubts discomforted, 
Sweet Spirit, comfort me ! 

When the house doth sigh and weep, 
And the world is drowned in sleep, 
Yet mine eyes the watch do keep, 
Sweet Spirit, comfort me ! 

When the judgment is revealed, 
And that open which was sealed, 
When to Thee I have appealed, 
Sweet Spirit, comfort me! 




166 &gra DomistU** 



THE CHEERFUL GIYEE. 

HAT shall I render Thee ! Father 

Supreme, 
For Thy rich gifts, and this the 
best of all ? " 
Said a young mother, as she fondly watch'd 
Her sleeping babe. 

There was an answering voice 
That night in dreams. 

"Thou hast a little bud 
Wrapt in thy breast, and fed with dews 
Of love ; give me that bud, 'twill be 
A flower in heaven." 

But there was silence, yea, a hush so deep, 

Breathless and terror-stricken, 
That the lip 

Blanch'd in its trance — 

" Thou hast a little harp ; 
How sweetly would it swell the 
Angels' songs ! Give me that harp." 

There burst a shuddering sob 

As if the bosom, by some hidden sword, 

Was cleft in twain. 

Morn came, a blight had found 

The crimson velvet of the unfolding bud ; 




ELjjra Somesttca* 167 



The harp-string rang a thrilling strain, 
And broke, 

And that young mother lay upon 
The earth in childless agony. 
Again the voice 
That stirred her vision — 
" He who asked of thee 
Loveth a cheerful giver." 

So she raised 
Her gushing eye, and ere the tear-drop 
Died upon its fringes, smiled — 
Doubt not that smile, 
Like Abraham's faith, 

"Was counted righteousness." 



168 ilgra Bowtutita, 



HYMN OF THE TWELFTH CENTURY. 



^LAD on the mountains, 
5§5 Bright o'er vales and fountains, 




Dawns the fair day of peace and 
|§l§m@ love ; 

Nations are waking, 
Where the day breaking, 
Chases the clouds that brood above. 



Welcome, bright morning, 

All the earth adorning ! 
Gentiles and Jews shall own thy sway. 

Bangs have confessed thee, 

Prophets have blessed thee, 
But never lived to see the day. 

To us is given, 

Like a glimpse of heaven, 
Light of that glory promised long ! 

Oh, may it brighten, 

Till it shall lighten 
All earth with radiance full and strong. 

O God, most holy, 

Fain would we, though lowly, 



&2ra Somesttca* 169 



Send up our mingled praise to Thee ; 

Thine is the giving, 

Ours the receiving — 
Thine shall the endless glory be! 



170 SLgra Bomzntitx. 



THE OLDEST CHRISTIAN HYMN. 

^^^|HEPHERD of tender youth! 

Guiding, in love and truth, 
feilw'p^) Through devious ways ; 
&£3sk^M* Christ, our triumphant King, 
We come Thy name to sing ; 
And here our children bring 
To shout Thy praise. 

Thou art our holy Lord! 
The all-subduing Word! — 

Healer of strife ! 
Thou didst Thyself abase, 
That from sin's deep disgrace 
Thou mightest save our race, 

And give us life. 

Thou art Wisdom's High-Priest! 
Thou hast prepared the feast 

Of holy love ; 
And in our mortal pain 
None calls on Thee in vain ; 
Help Thou dost not disdain — 
Help from above. 



Ever be thus our Guide ! 

Our Shepherd and our pride, — 

Our staff and song ! 
Jesus ! Thou Christ of God ! 
By Thy perennial word, 
Lead us where Thou hast trod — 

Make our faith strong. 

So now, and till we die, 
Sound we Thy praises high, 

And joyful sing. 
Infants, and the glad throng 
Who to Thy Church belong, 
Unite, and swell the song, 

To Christ our King. 




172 &£ra mtwitutita. 



OUR ONE LIFE. 

IS not for man to trine ! Life is 
brief, 
And sin is here. 
Our age is but the falling of a leaf — 
A dropping tear. 
TTe have no time to sport away the hours, 
All must be earnest in a world like ours. 

Not many lives, but only one have we — 

Frail, fleeting man ! 
How sacred should that one life ever be — 

That narrow span ! 
Day after day filled up with blessed toil, 
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil. 

Our being is no shadow of thin air, 

No vacant dream ; 
No fable of the things that never were 

But only seem. 
Tis full of meaning as of mystery, 
Though strange and solemn may that meaning 
be. 




Our sorrows are no phantom of the night — 

No idle tale ; 
No cloud that floats along a sky of light, 

On summer gale. 
They are the true realities of earth — 
Friends and companions even from our birth. 

0, life below, how brief, how poor, and sad ! 

One heavy sigh. 
0, life above — how long, how fair, and glad ! 

An endless joy. 
Oh, to have done for aye with dying here ! 
Oh, to begin the living in yon sphere! 

0, day of time, how dark! 0, sky and earth, 

How dull your hue ! 
0, day of Christ, how bright ! 0, sky and 
earth, 

Made fair and new ! 
Come, better Eden, with thy fresher green; 
Come, brighter Salem, gladden all the scene ! 




174 SLgtra Bomesttcau 



THE CHILD OF JAMES MELVILLE, AND 
THE TWO DOVES. 



When He who to the prophet lent his gourd, 
Gave me the solace of a little child! 

A summer gift, my precious flower was given, 
A very summer fragrance was its life ; 

Its clear eyes soothed me as the blue of heaven ! 
When home I turn'd, a weary man of strife ! 

With unform'd laughter musically sweet, 

How soon the wakening babe would meet my 
kiss ; 

With outstretched arms its care-worn father 
greet, 

Oh ! in the desert what a spring was this ! 

A few short months it blossomed near my heart, 
A few short months, else toilsome all, and sad ! 

But that home-solace nerved me for my part. 
And of the babe I was exceeding glad ! 




NE time my soul was pierced as 
with a sword, 
Contending still with men un- 
taught and wild, 



&gra Bomtutita. 175 



Alas ! my pretty bud, scarce formed, was dy- 
ing — 

(The prophet's gourd it withered in a night,) 
And He who gave me all, my heart's pulse 
trying, 

Took gently home the child of my delight! 

Not rudely culled, not suddenly it perished, 
But gradual faded from our love away ; 

As if still, secret dews, its life that cherished, 
"Were drop by drop withheld, and day by day ! 

My gracious Master saved me from repining, 
So tenderly He sued me for His own ; 

So beautiful He made my babe's declining, 
Its dying blessed me as its birth had done ! 

And daily to my board at noon and even, 
Our fading flower I bade its mother bring, 

That we might commune of our re$t in heav'n, 
Gazing the while on death without its sting ! 

And of the ransom for that baby paid, 

So very sweet at times our converse seemed, 

That the sure truth of grief a gladness made, 
Our little lamb by God's own Lamb redeemed. 

— There were two milk-white doves my wife 
had nourished, 
And I too loved erewhile at times to stand, 



176 llgra Jiomesttca* 



Marking how each the other fondly cherished, 
And fed them from my baby's dimpled hand. 

So tame they grew, that to his cradle flying, 
Full oft they cooed him to his noontide rest; 

And to the murmurs of his sleep replying, 
Crept gently in, and nestled in his breast ! 

'Twas a fair sight — the snow-pale infant sleep- 
ing, 

So fondly guardianed by those creatures mild ; 
Watch o'er his closed eyes their bright eyes 
keeping ! 

Wondrous the love betwixt the birds and 
child ! 

Still as he sickened seemed the doves too 
dwining, 

Forsook their food, and loathed their pretty 
play* 

And on the day he died, with sad note pining, 
One gentle bird would not be frayed away! 

His mother found it, when she rose, sad-hearted, 
At early dawn, with sense of nearing ill; 

And when at last the little spirit parted, 
The dove died too, as if of its heart-chill! 

The other flew to meet my sad home-riding, 
As with a human sorrow in its coo; 



&2ra Bomesttca* 



177 



To my dead child, and its dead mate then guid- 



ing 



Most pitifully plained — and parted too! 

'Twas my first hansel and propine to heaven ! 

And as I laid my darling 'neath the sod, 
Precious His comforts — once an infant given, 

And offered with two turtle-doves to God ! 



12 



178 SLgra 33omesttca* 



A ROCKING HYMN. 




^ WEET baby, sleep : what ails my 
dear; 

What ails my darling thus to cry ? 
Be still, my child, and lend thine 
ear, 

To hear me sing thy lullaby. 

My pretty lamb, forbear to weep ; 
Be still, my dear ; sweet baby, sleep. 

"Whilst thus thy lullaby I sing, 

For thee great blessings ripening be ; 
Thine eldest brother is a King, 

And hath a kingdom bought for thee. 
Sweet baby, then forbear to weep ; 
Be still, my babe; sweet baby, sleep. 

When God with us was dwelling here, 

In little babes He took delight ; 
Such innocents as thou, my dear ! 
Are ever precious in His sight. 
Sweet baby, then forbear to weep ; 
Be stilly my babe ; sweet baby, sleep. 



agra XBomesttcau 179 



A little infant once was He, 

And strength in weakness then was laid 
Upon His virgin mother's knee, 

That power to thee might be convey'd. 
Sweet baby, then forbear to weep ; 
Be still, my babe ; sweet baby, sleep. 

The King of kings, when He was born, 

Had not so much for outward ease ; 
By Him such dressings were not worn, 
Nor such-like swaddling clothes as these. 
Sweet baby, then forbear to weep ; 
Be still, my babe ; sweet baby, sleep. 

The wants that He did then sustain, 

Have purchased wealth, my babe, for thee ; 
And by His torments and His pain, 
Thy rest and ease secured be. 
My baby, then forbear to weep ; 
Be still, my babe ; sweet baby, sleep. 

Thou hast, yet more to perfect this, 

A promise and an earnest got, 
Of gaining everlasting bliss, 

Though thou, my babe, perceiv'st it not ; 
Sweet baby, then forbear to weep ; 
Be still, my babe; sweet baby, sleep. 



180 WLgvz Bomtntitu. 



ONE IN CHRIST, 

NE baptism, and one faith, 
One Lord, below, above ! 
The fellowship of Zion hath 
One only watchword, — Love. 
From different temples though it rise, 
One song ascendeth to the skies. 

Our Sacrifice is One; 

One priest before the throne,— 
The Crucified, the risen Son, 

Redeemer, Lord alone ! 
And sighs from contrite hearts that spring, 
Our chief, our choicest offering. 

Oh, why should they who love 

One Gospel to unfold, 
Who look for one bright home above, 

On earth be strange and cold? 
Why, subjects of the Prince of Peace, 
In strife abide, and bitterness ? 

Oh, may that holy prayer, 
His tenderest and His last, 




&gra Bomesttca* i8i 



The utterance of His latest care, 

Ere to His throne He passed, — 
No longer unfulfilled remain 
The world's offence, the people's stain ! 

Head of Thy Church beneath, 
The catholic, — the true, — 

On her disjointed members breathe, 
Her broken frame renew ! 

Then shall Thy perfect will be done 

When Christians love and live as one. 



182 



JOY IN HEAVEN. 

HE Sabbath sun was setting slow, 
Amidst the clouds of even ; 
" Our Father," breathed a voice 
below, 

a Father, who art in heaven ! " 

Beyond the earth — beyond the cloud — 
Those infant words were given ; 

" Our Father," angels sang aloud — 
" Father, who art in heaven ! " 

"Thy kingdom come," still from the ground, 

That child-like voice did pray; 
"Thy kingdom come," God's hosts resound, 

Far up the starry way ! 

" Thy will be done," with little tongue, 

That lisping love implores ; 
" Thy will be done," the angelic throng 

Sing from seraphic shores ! 

" For ever," still those lips repeat 
Their closing evening prayer ; 
" For ever," floats in music sweet — 
High 'midst the angels there ! 




ILfita Domcsttca* 183 



Thine be the glory evermore, 

From Thee may man ne'er sever ; 

But every Christian land adore 
Jehovah ! — God ! — for ever ! 



# <$> 

<§> <§> # 
<$> #> <§> <S> 
<$> <#> 4> <%> # 

<# <§> #> # # 

<S> # 



184 agtra BowcBtfca* 



THE SPIEIT'S HOME. 

YSTERIOUS in its birth, 

And viewless as the blast, 
"Where has the spirit fled from 
earth ? 
For ever past. 

We ask the grave below, 

It keeps the secret well ; 
We call upon the heavens to shew ; 

They will not tell. 

Of earth's remotest strand 

Are tales and tidings known ; 

But from the spirit's distant land 
Returneth none. 

Winds bear the breath of flowers 
To travellers o'er the wave ; 

But bear no message from the bowers 
Beyond the grave. 

Proud science scales the skies, 

From star to star doth roam ; 

But reacheth not the shore where lies 
The spirit's home. 




agra Bcmcsttcau 



185 



Impervious shadows hide 

This mystery of heaven ; 

But where all knowledge is denied^ 
There faith is given. 



186 2L£ta Bomtntitz. 



HOLY RESOLUTION. 

OME, my fond fluttering heart, 

Come struggle to be free; 
Thou and the world must part, 
However hard it be. 
My trembling spirit owns it just, 
But cleaves yet closer to the dust. 

Te tempting sweets, forbear; 

Ye dearest idols, fall. 
My love ye must not share ; 
Jesus shall have it all. 
'Tis bitter pain, 'tis cruel smart, 
But ah ! thou must consent, my heart. 

Ye fair enchanting throng, 

Ye golden dreams, farewell ! 
Earth has prevailed too long, 
And now I break the spell ; 
Ye cherished joys of early years ; — 
Jesus, forgive these parting tears. 

yes, there is a balm, 
A kind Physician there, 




ILgra Bomesttca* 187 



My fevered mind to cairn, 
To bid me not despair. 
Aid me, dear Saviour, set me free, 
And I will all resign to Thee. 

O may I feel thy worth, 

And let no idol dare, 
No vanity of earth, 

With Thee, my Lord, compare : 
Now bid all worldly joys depart, 
And reign supremely in my heart. 



188 iLgra Bmntzttiz. 



" LORD, I BELIEVE." 

ES, I do feel, my God, that I am 
Thine ; 

Thou art my joy, — myself, mine 
only grief; 

Hear my complaint, low bending at Thy 
shrine, — 

"Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief." 

Unworthy even to approach so near, 

My soul lies trembling like a summer leaf ; 

Yet forgive ! I doubt not, though I fear ; 
" Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief." 

True I am weak, ah, very weak, but then 
I know the source whence I can draw relief ; 

And though repulsed I still can plead again, 
"Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief." 

draw me nearer ; for, too far away, 

The beamings of Thy brightness are too brief ; 
While faith, though fainting, still hath strength 
to pray — 

" Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief." 




Hfira Bomcsttca- 189 



COMFORTER DIVINE. 

OME to our poor nature's night 
With Thy blessed inward light, 
Holy Ghost the Infinite ; 
Comforter Divine. 

"We are sinful — cleanse us. Lord : 
Sick and faint — Thy strength afford : 
Lost, — ■ until by Thee restor'd, 
Comforter Divine. 

Orphans are our souls, and poor, 
Give us from Thy heavenly store 
Faith, love. joy. for evermore, 
Comforter Divine. 

Like the dew, Thy peace distil ; 
Guide, subdue our wayward will, 
Things of Christ unfolding still. 
Comforter Divine. 

Gentle, awful, holy Guest, 
Make Thy temple in each breast — 
Shrine of purity confess'd ; 
Comforter Divine. 




190 iLgra momzHtita. 



In us, for us, intercede, 
And with voiceless groanings, plead 
Our unutterable need, 
Comforter Divine. 

Dwell in us, as in the Son, 
With His Father ever one 
In adoring union ; 

Comforter Divine. 

In us " Abba, Father," cry ; 
Earnest of our bliss on high ; 
Seal of immortality, 
Comforter Divine. 

Search for us the depths of God ; 
Bear us up the starry road, 
To the height of Thine abode; 
Comforter Divine. 



ILgra Bomesttcau 191 



SICKNESS. 

OD ! whom I as love have known, 
Thou hast sickness laid on me, 
And these pains are sent of Thee, 
Under which I burn and moan ; 
Let them burn away the sin, 
That too oft hath check'd the love 
Wherewith Thou my heart wouldst move 
When Thy Spirit works within ! 

In my weakness be Thou strong, 
Be Thou sweet when I am sad, 
Let me still in Thee be glad, 

Though my pains be keen and long. 
All that wrings my heart and brow, 

All that wasteth me away, 

Pressing on me night and day, 
Love ordains, for Love art Thou. 

Suffering is the work now sent; 

Nothing can I do but lie 

Suffering as the hours go by : 
All my powers to this are bent. 

Suffering is my gain ! I bow 




192 



To my heavenly Father's will 
And receive it hush'd and still : 
Suffering is my worship now, 

God! I take it from Thy hand 

As a sign of love, I know 

Thou wouldst perfect me through woe, 
Till I pure before Thee stand. 

All refreshment, all the food 
Given for the body's need 
Comes from Thee, who loVst indeed. 

Comes from Thee, for Thou art good. 

Let my soul beneath her load 

Faint not through the o'erwearied flesh; 

Let her hourly drink afresh 
Love and peace from Thee, my God. 

Let the body's pain and smart 
Hinder not her flight to Thee, 
Nor the calm Thou givest me ; 

Keep Thou up the sinking heart. 

Grant me never to complain, 

Make me to Thy will resigned 

With a quiet, humble mind, 
Cheerful on my bed of pain. 

In the flesh who suffers thus, 
Shall be purified from sin, 
And the soul renew'd within : 

Therefore pain is laid on us. 



ILgta Somesttca- 



193 



I commend to Thee my life, 
And my body to the cross : 
Never let me think it loss 

That I thus am freed from strife. 
Wholly Thine ! my faith is sure ; 

Whether life or death be mine 

I am safe if I am Thine ; 

For 'tis Love that makes me pure. 



13 




194 



SUBMISSION. 

" Thou that nearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come." 
Psalm lxv. 2. 

ATHER divine ! to Thee, 

In this the holy, solemn autumn - 
time, 

My soul anew would consecrated be ; 
My aims, my hopes, my wishes all be thine. 

Let every storm be stayed, 

Each throb of selfish care forgotten be ; 
My heart, no more of earthly ills afraid, 

Resigns its all to Thee ! 

Calm dawn of peace, 

O bless my soul once more, a welcome guest. 
Bid each rude chord of worldly passion cease, 

And sorrow bring no more its dark unrest. 

Thou, before whom 

The purest angel veils his radiant face, 
To Thee, the High, the Holy One, I come 

Pleading for strength, for mercy, and for 
grace. 




iLgra Bomesttca* 195 



Thou who dost see 

The agony a human heart can bear, 
In loneliness I yield to Thy decree ; 

In loneliness beseech Thy hand to spare. 

Weary of life the wounded spirit faints, 

Yet bows in confidence beneath Thy rod ; 
The hour will come when, freed from earth's 
restraints, 

My soul shall know Thee nearer, Oh my 
God! 

A little way 

Still reaches onward in this human strife : 
Press on, my soul, for an eternal day 

Shall consummate the close of mortal life. 

Imperfect though my prayer, 

My heart its future state resigns to Thee : 
If but Thy favour I may seek to share, 

My lot whilst here can never hopeless be. 

Faint not, nor weary be, 

All sorrow ceases when the goal is won ; 
I would with joy be what Thou makest me : 

Father in earth as heaven, Thy will be 
done ! 



196 agra Bommita. 



I HOLD STILL. 

AIN'S furnace-heat within me quiv- 
ers, 

God's breath upon the flame doth 
blow ; 

And all my heart in anguish shivers 

And trembles at the fiery glow : 
And yet I whisper, As God will! 
And in His hottest fire hold still. 

He comes, and lays my heart, all heated, 

On the hard anvil, minded so, 
Into His own fair shape to beat it 

With His great hammer, blow on blow : 
And yet I whisper, As God will ! 
And at His heaviest blows hold still. 

He takes my softened heart and beats it; 

The sparks fly off at every blow; 
He turns it o'er and o'er, and heats it, 

And lets it cool, and makes it glow : 
And yet I whisper, As God will ! 
And in His mighty hand hold still. 

Why should I murmur? for the sorrow 
Thus only longer lived would be; 




&2ra Bomessttca, 197 



Its end may come, and will, to-morrow, 

When God has done His work in me. 
So I say, trusting, As God will ! 
And, trusting to the end, hold still. 

He kindles, for my profit purely, 
Affliction's glowing, fiery brand; 

And all His heaviest blows are surely 
Inflicted by a Master-hand : 

So I say, praying, As God will! 

And hope in Him, and suffer still. 



198 &gra BonrestUa* 



COULDST THOU NOT WATCH ONE 
HOUR? 

HE night is dark; behold the shade 
was deeper 
In the old garden of Gethsemane, 
When that calm voice awoke the 
weary sleeper, — 
Gouldst thou not watch one hour alone with 
me ? 

Oh thou, so weary of thy self-denials, 
And so impatient of thy little cross, 

Is it so hard to bear thy daily trials, 

To count all earthly things a gainful loss? 

What if thou always suffer tribulation, 

And if thy Christian warfare never cease ; 

The gaining of the quiet habitation 
Shall gather thee to everlasting peace. 

But here we all must suffer, walking lonely 
The path that Jesus once himself hath gone ; 

Watch thou in patience through this hour only, 
This one dark hour before the eternal dawn. 




BOttWSttta* 199 



The captive's oar may pause upon the galley, 
The soldier sleep beneath his plumed crest, 
Ajid peace may fold her wing o'er hill and 
valley, 

But thou, Christian ! must not take thy 
rest. 

Thou must walk on, however man upbraid 
thee, 

With Him who trod the wine-press all alone ; 
Thou wilt not find one human hand to aid 
thee, 

One human soul to comprehend thine own. 

Heed not the images forever thronging 

From out the foregone life thou liv'st no 
more ; 

Faint-hearted mariner, still art thou longing 
For the dim line of the receding shore. 

Wilt thou find rest of soul in thy returning 
To that old path thou hast so vainly trod ? 

Hast thou forgotten all thy weary yearning 
To walk among the children of thy God ? 

Faithful and steadfast in their consecration ; 

Living by that high faith to thee so dim ; 
Declaring before God their dedication, — 

So far from thee, because so near to Him. 



200 &sra 9omn>ttcau 



Canst thou forget thy Christian superscription: 
" Behold ! we count them happy who en- 
dure ? " 

What treasure wouldst thou, in the land Egyp- 
tian, 

Repass the stormy water to secure ? 

And wilt thou yield thy true and glorious 
promise 

For the poor fleeting joys earth can afford ? 
No hand can take away the treasure from us, 
That rests within the keeping of the Lord. 

Poor wandering soul ! I know that thou art 

seeking 

Some easier way, as all have sought before, 
To silence the reproachful inward speaking, 
Some landward path unto an island shore. 

The cross is heavy in thy human measure, 
The way too narrow for thy inward pride ; 

Thou canst not lay thine intellectual treasure 
At the low footstool of the Crucified. 

O that thy faithless soul one hour only 

Would comprehend the Christian's perfect 
life; 

Despised with Jesus, — sorrowful and lonely, — 
Yet calmly looking upward in the strife. 



2L£ra 23omesttcau 



201 



For poverty's free self-renunciation, 

Thou, Father, yieldest back a thousand-fold; 

In the calm stillness of regeneration 
Cometh a joy they never knew of old. 

In meek obedience to the heavenly Teacher, 
Thy weary soul can only find its peace ; 

Seeking no aid from any human creature, 
Looking to God alone for his release. 

And He will come in his own time and power, 

To set His earnest-hearted children free; 
Watch only through this dark and painful 
hour, 

And the bright morning yet will break for 
thee. 




202 SLgra JBowestfca. 



HERMON. 



44 As the dew of Hermon .... which descendeth upon the 
mountains of Zion." — Psalm cxxxiii: 3. 

" And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another 
Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." — John 
xiv: 16. 




| ROM Thy habitation, Holy 

Spirit of all Truth, descend, 
Sjj While we sinners, poor and lowly, 
^ At the Throne of Mercy bend ; 
Help our weakness, 
And a gracious answer send ! 

Come Thou, as the dew of Hermon 

Softly falls on Zion's hill ; 
Let us in Thy strength determine 

Henceforth to obey Thy will ; 
Dwell within us ; 

Let Thy grace our bosoms fill. 

Brooding o'er us, as on chaos, 
Cause our darkness to retreat; 

Shine into our hearts, and lay us 
Humbled at the Mercy-Seat; 

Guide us, — use us 
As Thy sovereign love sees meet. 



&£ra ZSomesttca* 203 



When the heart is crush'd and broken, 
When bereavement dims the eye, 

Let us claim the promise spoken 
By those lips that cannot lie. 

Blessed Saviour, 
Send Thy Spirit from on high ! 

When we tread the waves of Jordan, 
Oh, be near us, Sacred Guest ! 

Seal to us our hope of pardon ; 
Dove-like o'er each billow's crest 

Do Thou hover, 
Guiding to eternal rest. 



204 %sva tBomtuttta. 



GENNESARET. 

" And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, inso- 
much that the ship was covered with the waves : but He 
was asleep. And the disciples came to him and awoke 
him, saving, Lord, save us: we perish. Then he arose, 
and rebuked the winds and the sea: and there was a 
great calm." — Matthew viii. 24-26. 

X the lone bosom of a lake 

Contending surges fiercely met ; > 
"Be still," 'twas thus the Saviour 
spake, 

And thou wert calm — Gennesaret ! 

Whene'er with sad forebodings fill'd, 
When guilty fears my bosom fret, 
111 turn to Him who gently still'd 
Thy raging waves — Gennesaret ! 

I'll think of that more fearful storm, 

When wrathful thunders fiercely met 
Around the Cross of Him whose form 
Moved 'mid thy waves — Gennesaret ! 

When quivering lip, and eyeball dim, 

Proclaim life's sun about to set, 
I'll lean upon the arm of Him 

Who still'd thy waves — Gennesaret ! 




205 



Safe landed on that heavenly shore 
My heart shall have but one regret — 

That here I did not love Him more, 
Who walk'd thy waves — Gennesaret ! 

Lord ! let Thy love my bosom fill, 

While toss'd on life's rough surges yet; 

Speak Thine own mandate — "Peace, be still! 
Which calm'd, of old, Gennesaret. 



206 ILgra Jlomeatica* 



MY SHEPHEED. 

HOU, whom my soul admires above 
All earthly joy and earthly love, 
Tell me, dear Shepherd, let me know, 
Where do Thy sweetest pastures 
grow ? 

Where is the shadow of that rock 
That from the sun defends Thy flock? 
Fain would I feed among Thy sheep, 
Among them rest, among them sleep. 

Why should Thy bride appear like one 
That turns aside to paths unknown ? 
My constant feet would never rove, 
Would never seek another love. 

The footsteps of Thy flock I see ; 

Thy sweetest pastures here they be; 

A wondrous feast Thy love prepares, 

Bought with Thy wounds, and groans, and tears. 

His dearest flesh He makes my food, 
And bids me drink His richest blood ; 
Safe on these hills, my soul would roam, 
Till my Beloved leads me home. 




3L&va Bomtntitz. 207 



NEARER. 

EARER, my God, to Thee, 

Nearer to Thee ! 
E'en though it be a cross 
That raiseth me ; 
Still all my song shall be, 
Nearer, my God, to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee ! 

Though like a wanderer 

Weary and lone, 
Darkness comes over me, 

My rest a stone, 
Yet in my dreams I'd be 
Nearer, my God, to Thee, 

Nearer to Thee ! 

There let my way appear 
Steps unto Heaven; 

All that Thou sendest me 
In mercy given ; 

Angels to beckon me 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee! 




208 iLgra Somrsttca* 



Then with my waking thoughts, 
Bright with Thy praise, 

Out of my stony griefs 
Bethels I'll raise ; 

So by my woes to be 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee ! 

And when on joyful wing 

Cleaving the sky, 
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, 

Upward I fly ; 
Still all my song shall be, 
Nearer, my God, to Thee, 

Nearer to Thee ! 



2L£ta Jlonusttca. 209 



HAIL THE LIGHT. 

OME, my soul, thou must be wak- 
ing; 

Now is breaking 
O'er the earth another day ; 
Come to Him who made this splendor: 
See thou render 
All thy feeble powers can pay. 

Lo ! how all of breath partaking, 
Gladly waking, 
Hail the sun's enlivening light ! 
Plants, which dews of morning nourish, 
Rise and flourish 
When He breaks the shades of night. 

Thou, too, hail the light returning ; 
Ready burning 
Be the incense of thy powers, 
For the night is safely ended ; 
God hath tended, 
With His care, thy helpless hours. 




Pray that He may prosper ever 
Each endeavour, 
14 



210 &£ta Bomesttca* 



"When thine aim is good and true ; 
But that He may ever thwart thee, 
And convert thee, 
When thou evil wouldst pursue. 

Think that He thy ways beholdeth ; 
He unfoldeth 
Every fault that lurks within ; 
Every stain of shame glossed over 
Can discover, 
And discern each deed of sin. 

Fettered to the fleeting hours, 
All our powers, 
Vain and brief, are borne away. 
Time, my soul, thy ship is steering, 
Onward veering, 
To the gulf of death a prey. 

Mayst thou, then, on life's last morrow, 
Free from sorrow, 
Pass away in slumber sweet; 
And, released from death's dark sadness, 
Rise in gladness, 
That far brighter Sun to greet. 



&2ta 23omesttca, 211 



THE SECOND COMING. 

EJOICE, rejoice, believers J 

And let your lights appear ; 
The evening is advancing, 
The darker night is near. 
The Bridegroom is arising, 

And soon will He draw nigh : 
Up ! pray, and watch, and wrestle, 
At midnight comes the cry. 

See that your lamps are burning; 

Replenish them with oil ; 
Look now for your salvation, 

The end of sin and toil. 
The watchers on the mountain 

Proclaim the Bridegroom near: 
Go, meet Him as He cometh, 

With hallelujahs clear. 

Oh ! wise and holy virgins, 
Now raise your voices higher, 

Till in your jubilations 
Ye meet the angel-choir. 




212 &2ta Bomesttcau 



The marriage-feast is waiting, 
The gates wide open stand ; 

Up, up, ye heirs of glory, 
The Bridegroom is at hand! 

Our hope and expectation, 

Jesus, now appear; 
Arise, Thou Sun so looked for, 

O'er this benighted sphere! 
With hearts and hands uplifted 

We plead, Lord, to see 
The day of our redemption, 

And ever be with Thee ! 




ILgra Bomtntita. 213 



BEHOLD THE LAMB. 

EHOLD the Lamb! 
Thou for sinners slain, 
Let it not be in vain 

That Thou hast died; 
Thee for my Saviour let me take, 
Thee, Thee alone, my refuge make; 
Thy pierced side. 

Behold the Lamb! 
Archangels, fold your wings ! 
Seraphs, hush all the strings 

Of million lyres ! 
The Victim veil'd on earth, in love 
Unveil'd, enthroned, adored above, 

All heaven admires. 

Behold the Lamb ! 
All hail Eternal Word ! 
Thou universal Lord 

Purge out our leaven ; 
Clothe us with godliness and good ; 
Feed us with thy celestial food, 

Manna from heaven ! 




214 Hgra Bomesttca* 



Beliold the Lamb! 
Saints, who in blissful rest 
Wait to be fully blest ; 

Oh Lord ! — how long ! 
Thou church on earth, o'erwhelmed with fears, 
Still, in this vale of woe and tears, 

Swell the full song. 

Behold the Lamb ! 
Worthy is he alone 
To sit upon the throne 

Of God above. 
One with the Ancient of all days, 
One with the Paraclete in praise, 

All Light, all Love. 



ILgra Bomcsttca- 215 



AT THE CROSS. 

LOW, my contrite tears, flow faster, 

Thus my guilt and sin bemoan. 
Mourn, my heart, in deeper anguish, 
Over sorrows not thine own ! 
See a spotless Lamb draw nigh 
To Jerusalem, to die 
For thy sins, the sinless One! 
Think ! ah, think, what thou hast done. 

See him stand, while cruel fetters 

Bind the hands that framed the world ! 

While around him bitter mocking, 
Laughter and contempt are hurled. 

Heathen rage and Jewish scorn, 

Meekly for our sins are borne ; 

Sin has brought Him from above! 

Who can fathom such a love ? 

Can we view the Saviour given 
To the smiter's hands for us ? 

Can we all, unmoved, unhumbled, 
See him mocked and slighted thus ? 




216 ILgra Bomesttcau 



View the thorny chaplet red 
On his meek and bleeding head; 
Hear the loud and angry din. 
And not tremble for our sin ? 

Must I, Jesus, thus behold Thee 
In thy toil and sorrow here ? 
Can I nothing better yield Thee 

Than my unavailing tear ? 
Lamb of God ! I weep for Thee, 
Weep thy cruel cross to see, 
Weep for death that Death destroys, 
Weep for grief that brings me joys. 

Poor is all that I can offer, 
Soul and body while I live; 

Take it, my Saviour, take it — 
I have nothing more to give. 

Come, and in this heart remain, 

Let each enemy be slain; 

Let me live and die with Thee, 

To thy kingdom welcome me. 



SLgra Bomesttca* 217 



JUST AS I AM. 

" Him that cometh unto me, I will in nowise cast out." 

UST as I am — without one plea, 
But that Thy blood was shed for me, 
And that Thou bid'st me come to 
Thee, 

O Lamb of God, I come. 

Just as I am — and waiting not 
To rid my soul of one dark blot ; 
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
Lamb of God, I come. 

Just as I am — though tossed about 
With many a conflict, many a doubt, 
With fears within and foes without, 
Lamb of God, I come. 

Just as I am — poor, wretched, blind ; 
Sight, riches, healing of the mind, 
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find, 
Lamb of God, I come. 




218 JLsra Domestics* 



Just as I am — Thou wilt receive, 
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve ; 
Because Thy promise I believe, 
Lamb of God, I come. 

Just as I am — Thy love unknown 
Has broken every barrier down ; 
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, 
Lamb of God, I come. 



&sra Z3omesttca* 219 



LOVE'S MOTTYE. 

Y God, I love Thee — not because 

I hope for heaven thereby, 
Nor yet because, if I love not, 
I must forever die. 

But 0, my Jesus, Thou didst me 

Upon the cross embrace ; 
For me didst bear the nails and spear, 

And manifold disgrace, 

And griefs and torments numberless, 

And sweat of agony ; 
E'en death itself ; and all for one 

Who was Thine enemy. 

Then why, blessed Jesu Christ, 
Should I not love Thee well ; 

Not for the sake of winning heaven, 
Or of escaping hell; 

Not with the hope of gaining aught, 

Not seeking a reward ; — 
But as Thyself hast loved me, 
ever-loving Lord ! 




220 agra mmntntita. 



E'en so I love Thee and will love, 
And in Thy praise will sing ; 

Solely because Thou art my God, 
And my eternal King. 



agra J&omtntita. 221 



THE SUPPLIANT. 

LL night the lonely suppliant 
prayed, 

All night his earnest crying made; 
Till standing by his side at morn 
The tempter said in bitter scorn, 
" peace ! what profit do you gain 
From empty words and babblings vain ? 
' Come Lord ! come ! ' you cry alway, 
You pour your heart out night and day, 
Yet still no murmur of reply, 
No voice that answers ' Here am I.' " 

Then sank that stricken heart in dust, 
That word had withered all its trust; 
No strength retained it now to pray, 
While Faith and Hope had fled away ; 
And ill that mourner now had fared 
Thus by the tempter's art ensnared, 
But that at length beside his bed, 
His sorrowing angel stood and said, 
Doth it repent thee of thy love, 
That never now is heard above 
Thy prayer ? that now not any more 
It knocks at Heaven's gate as before ? 




222 iLgra JBomtnUtz. 



" I am cast out. I find no place, 
No hearing at the throne of grace ; 
6 Come, Lord, come ! ' I cry alway, 
I pour my heart out night and day, 
Yet never until now have won 
The answer — i Here am I, my son.' " 

" O dull of heart ! enclosed doth lie 

In each, ' Come, Lord ' an ' Here am 1/ 

Thy love, thy longing, are not thine, 

Reflections of a love divine ; 

Thy very prayer to thee was given 

Itself a messenger from heaven ; 

Whom God rejects, they are not so ; 

Strong bands are round them in their woe, 

Their hearts are bound with bands of brass 

That sigh or crying cannot pass. 

All treasures did the Lord impart 

To Pharaoh, save a contrite heart ; 

All other gifts unto His foes 

He freely gives, nor grudging knows, 

But Love's sweet smart and costly pain, 

A treasure for His friends remain. " 



ILgta Bomzntita. 223 



CHRIST'S LONELINESS. 

IRDS have their quiet nest, 
Foxes their holes, and man his 
peaceful bed ; 
All creatures have their rest, 
But Jesus had not where to lay His head. 

Winds have their hour of calm, 
And waves to slumber on the voiceless deep ; 

Eve hath its breath of balm 
To hush all senses and all sounds to sleep. 

The wild deer hath its lair, 
The homeward flocks the shelter of their shed ; 

All have their rest from care, 
But Jesus had not where to lay His head. 

And yet He came to give 
The weary and the heavy-laden rest, 

To bid the sinner live, 
And soothe our griefs to slumber on His breast. 

What then, am I, my God, 
Permitted thus the paths of peace to tread, 

Peace purchased by the blood 
Of Him who had not where to lay His head. 




224 2L£ta Bomesttca* 



I who once made Him grieve, 
I who once bid His gentle spirit mourn ; 

Whose hand essayed to weave 
For His meek brow the cruel crown of thorn. 

why should I have peace ? 
Why ? but for that unchanged, undying love 

Which would not, could not, cease, 
Until it made me heir of joy above. 

Yes, but for pardoning grace, 
I feel I never should in glory see 

The brightness of that face, 
That once was pale and agonized for me. 

Let the birds seek their nest, 
Foxes their holes, and man his peaceful bed; 

Come, Saviour, in my breast, 
Deign to repose Thine oft-rejected head ! 

Come ! give me rest, and take 
The only rest on earth Thou lovest, within 

A heart, that for Thy sake 
Lies bleeding, broken, penitent for sin. 



ILgra JBomtntita. 225 



DIVINE EJACULATION. 




||REAT God, whose sceptre rules 



the earth, 
^ Distil Thy fear into my heart, 
£^?23$?SS That being rapt with holy mirth, 
I may proclaim how good Thou art; 
Open my lips that I may sing 
Full praises to my God, my King. 

Great God, Thy garden is defaced, 

The weeds thrive there, Thy flowers decay ; 

call to mind Thy promise past, 
Restore Thou them, cut these away ; 

Till then let not the weeds have power 

To starve or stint the poorest flower. 

In all extremes, Lord, Thou art still 
The Mount whereto my hopes do flee ; 

make my soul detest all ill, 

Because so much abhorred by Thee; 

Lord, let Thy gracious trials show 

That I am just, or make me so. 
15 



226 



ILgra JBomtntita. 



Shall mountain, desert, beast, and tree, 
Yield to that heavenly voice of Thine ; 

And .shall that voice not startle me, 

Nor stir this stone — this heart of mine ? 

No, Lord, till Thou new-bore mine ear, 

Thy voice is lost, I cannot hear. 

Fountain of Light, O living Breath, 
Whose mercies never fail nor fade, 

Fill me with Life that hath no death ; 
Fill me with Light that hath no shade ; 

Appoint the remnant of my days 

To see Thy power and sing Thy praise. 

Lord God of gods — before whose throne 
Stand storms and fire — O what shall we 

Return to heaven that is our own, 

When all the world belongs to Thee ? 

We have no offering to impart 

But praises and a wounded heart. 

Thou that sitt'st in Heaven, and seest 
My deeds without, my thoughts within, 

Be Thou my Prince, be Thou my Priest, 

Command my soul, and cure my sin ; 
How bitter my afflictions be 

1 care not, so I rise to Thee. 

What I possess, or what I crave, 

Brings no content, great God, to me: 



2Lgra Bomesttca* 227 



If what I craved or what I have 

Be not possest and blest in Thee ; 
What I enjoy, make it mine, 
In making me that have it Thine. 

When winter fortunes cloud the brows 

Of summer friends — when eyes grow strange, 

When plighted faith forgets its vows, 

When earth and all things in it change : 

Lord, Thy mercies fail me never, 

Where once Thou lov'st, Thou lov'st forever. 

Great God, whose kingdom hath no end, 
Into whose secrets none can dive, 

Whose mercy none can apprehend, 
Whose justice none can feel and live ; 

What my dull heart cannot aspire 

To know, Lord, teach me to admire ! 



228 &gra JBomtattca* 



THE LENT JEWELS: 

A JEWISH TALE. 

N schools of wisdom all the day 

was spent ; 
His steps at eve the Rabbi home- 
ward bent, 

With homeward thoughts which dwelt upon the 
wife, 

And two fair children who consoled his life: 
She meeting at the threshold led him in, 
And with the words preventing did begin — 
" Ever rejoicing at your wished return, 
Yet do I most so now ; for since this morn 
I have been much perplexed and sorely tried, 
Upon one point which you shall now decide : 
Some years ago, a friend into my care 
Some jewels gave, rich, precious gems they 
were, 

But having given them in my charge, this friend 
Did afterward nor come for them nor send, 
But left them in my keeping for so long 
That now it almost seems to me a wrong 




&gra IBomtnUta. 229 



That he should suddenly arrive to-day 
To take those jewels which he left, away. 
What think you ? Shall I freely yield them 
back, 

And with no murmuring — so henceforth to lack 
Those gems myself, which I had learned to see, 
Almost as mine forever, mine in fee ? " 

" What question can be here ? Your own true 
heart 

Must needs advise you of the only part. 
That may be claimed again which was but lent, 
And should be yielded with no discontent; 
Nor surely can we find herein a wrong, 
That it was left us to enjoy it long." 

" Good is the word," she answered. " May we 
now 

And evermore that it is good allow!" 
And rising, to an inner chamber led, 
And there she showed him, stretched upon one 
bed, 

Two children pale ; and he the jewels knew 
Which God had lent him and resumed anew. 




230 &£ta SSomcsttcau 



THE CONTENTED HEART. 

Y Father and my God, 
O set this spirit free ! 

I'd gladly kiss the rod 
That drove my trembling soul to 
Thee 

And made it Thine eternally. 

Sweet were the bitterest smart, 
That with the bended knee 

Would bow this broken heart ; 
For who, my Saviour, who could be, 
A sufferer long that flies to Thee ? 

The tears we shed for sin, 
When Heaven alone can see, 

Leave truer peace within, 
Than worldly smiles which cannot be 
Lit up, my God, with smiles from Thee. 

Then give me any lot, 
I '11 bless Thy just decree ; 

So Thou art not forgot, 
And I may ne'er dependent be 
On any friend, my God, but Thee. 




Egra Homeasttcau 231 



As needle to the pole, 
There fix'd but tremblingly, 

Such be my trusting soul; 
Whate'er life's variations be, 
Forever pointing, Lord, to Thee ! 



232 &gra IBowesttcau 




HYMN FOR MORNING. 

JESUS, Lord of heavenly grace, 
Thou brightness of thy Father's 
face ; 

j) Thou fountain of eternal light, 
Whose beams disperse the shades of night ! 

Come, holy Sun of heavenly love, 
Shower down Thy radiance from above ; 
And to our inward hearts convey 
The Holy Spirit's cloudless ray. 

And we the Father's help will claim, 
And sing the Father's glorious name ; 
His powerful succour we implore, 
That we may stand to fall no more. 

May He our actions deign to bless, 
And loose the bonds of wickedness ; 
From sudden falls our feet defend, 
And bring us to a prosperous end. 



May faith, deep-rooted in the soul, 
Subdue our flesh, our minds control ; 



Sgra IBonwattca* 233 



May guile depart and discord cease, 
And all within be joy and peace. 

And Christ shall be our daily food ; 
Our daily drink, His precious blood ; 
And thus the Spirit's calm excess 
Shall fill our souls with holiness. 

hallowed be the approaching day, 
Let meekness be our morning ray ; 
And faithful love our noon-day light, 
And hope our sunset calm and bright. 

0, Christ, with each returning morn, 
Thine image to our hearts is borne ; 
O may we ever clearly see, 
Our Saviour and our God in Thee. 



234 



&2ra Bomcsttca* 



THE CHILD. 

UIET, Lord, my fro ward heart, 
Make me teachable and mild. 
Upright, simple, free from art. 
Make me as a weaned child ; 
From distrust and envy free. 
Pleased with all that pleases Thee. 

What Thou shalt to-day provide, 
Let me as a child receive ; 

What to-morrow may betide 
Calmly to Thy wisdom leave ; 

'Tis enough that Thou wilt care — 

Why should I the burden bear ? 

As a little child relies 

On a care beyond his own ; 

Knows he's neither strong nor wise, 
Fears to stir a step alone — 

Let me thus with Thee abide 

As my Father, Guard, and Guide. 

Thus preserved from Satan's wiles, 
Safe from dangers, free from fears, 




ILgza BomtBtita* 235 



May I live upon Thy smiles, 

Till the promised hour appears ; 
When the sons of God shall prove 
AH their Father's boundless love. 




\OT all at once, not in Thy wrath, 
Lord, 

Break Thou these stubborn hearts 
i^i^Ma of ours, we pray! 

Not all at once — for we are weak, and they 
Draw trembling back from that Thy fiery 
sword. 

But as a tender mother day by day 
"Weans the weak babe she loves lest it should 
pine ; 

So wean us, Lord — so make us wholly Thine, 
Lest in our feebleness we start away 
From Thy loved chastening; for we could not 
bear 

The sudden vision of ourselves and Thee, 
Or learn at once how vain our bright hopes be ; 
Then be our earthly weakness, Lord, Thy care, 
And e'en in wounding heal, in breaking spare. 



236 2L£ta momtntita. 



JOY IN CHRIST. 

EJOICE in Christ alway ; 

When earth looks heavenly bright, 
When joy makes s glad the livelong 

day 

And peace shuts in the night. 
Rejoice, when care and woe 

The fainting soul oppress, 
When tears at wakeful midnight flow, 

And morn brings heaviness. 

Rejoice, when festal boughs 

Our winter walls adorn, 
And Christians greet with hymns and vows 

The Saviour's natal morn. 
Rejoice, when mourning weeds 

The widowed church doth wear, 
In memory of her Lord who bleeds, 

While Christians fast to prayer. 

Rejoice, in hope and fear; 

Rejoice in life and death; 
Rejoice when threatening storms are near, 

And comfort languisheth: 




Bcmesttca* 237 



When should not they rejoice, 

Whom Christ His brethren calls — 

Who hear and know His guiding voice, 
When on their hearts it falls. 

Yet not to rash excess, 

Let joy like ours prevail ; 
Feast not on earth's deliciousness, 

Till faith begins to fail. 
Our temperate use of bliss, 

Let it to all appear ; 
And be our constant watchword this — 

The Lord himself is near ! 

Take anxious care for nought, 

To God your wants make known; 
And soar on wings of heavenly thought 

Toward His eternal throne ; 
So, though our path is steep, 

And many a tempest lowers, 
Shall His own peace our spirits keep, 

And Christ's dear love be ours. 



238 3L%va Bomesttcau 



WHOLLY THINE. 

ISE, O my soul, with thy desires 
to Heaven, 
And with divinest contemplation 
use 

Thy Time where Time's eternity is given, 
And let vain thoughts no more thy thoughts 
abuse ; 

But down in darkness let them lie, 

So live they better, let thy worse thoughts die. 

And thou my soul, inspired with holy flame, 
View and review with most regardful eye 

That holy Cross whence thy salvation came ; 
On which thy Saviour and thy sin did die ; 

For in that sacred object is much pleasure, 

And in that Saviour is my life, my treasure. 

To Thee (0 Jesu) I direct my eye, 

To Thee my hands, to Thee my humble knees, 

To Thee my heart, shall offer sacrifice ; 

To Thee my thoughts, who my thoughts only 

sees, 

To Thee myself, myself and all, I give, 
To Thee I die, to Thee I only live. 




%&va 23omesttca* 239 



LIGHT OF THE NIGHT. 

HOU brightness of Thy Father's 
face, 

Thou Sun of heavenly day, 
Thou Christ, whose gracious beams 
remove 

The soul's dark shades away: 

The Sun is sunk; the shadowy night 

Is reigning in his room ; 
Continue, Lord, Thy saving help, 

And keep us through the gloom. 

What though our eyes be sunk in sleep, 

To Thee our hearts ascend; 
Do Thou with Thine Almighty hand 

Thy loving saints defend. 

What though, by earthly woes oppressed, 

The body wearied lies, 
Yet may our spirit freely wing 

Its passage to the skies. 

O Thou who art our only hope, 
Thy help we humbly crave : 




240 iLsra Bowesttcau 



Defend Thy blood-bought people, Lord ! 
Whom Jesus died to save. 

To God the Father, God the Son, 

And God the Holy Ghost, 
All glory be from saints on earth, 

And from the angel host. 



&£ra Bomtntita. 241 



JESUS, CHILD AND LORD. 

HEX Mary bids thee sleep, thou 

sleepest ; 
Thou wakest when she calls ; 
Thou art content upon her lap, 
Or in the rugged stalls. 

When Joseph takes thee in his arms 

And smooths thy little cheek, 
Thou lookest up into his face 

So helpless and so meek. 

Yes, dearest Babe ! those tiny hands, 

That play with Mary's hair, 
The weight of all the mighty world 

This very moment bear. 

TThile thou art clasping Mary's neck 

In timid, tight embrace, 
The boldest seraphs veil themselves 

Before thine infant face. 

When Mary hath appeased thy thirst 
Ajid hushed thy feeble cry, 
16 




242 iLsra Bamesttca* 



The hearts of men lie open still 
Before thy slumbering eye. 

dear, O wakeful-hearted child ! 

Sleep on, dear Jesus, sleep ! 
For thou must one day wake for me 

To suffer and to weep. 



&2ta ZSomesttca* 243 



FAITH'S ANSWER. 

TILL, as of old, Thy precious word 
Is by the nations dimly heard ; 
The hearts its holiness hath stirred 
Are weak and few ; 
Wise men the secret dare not tell; 
Still in thy temple slumbers well 
Good Eli ; oh, like Samuel — 
Lord, here am I ! 

Few years, no wisdom, no renown, 

Only my life can I lay down ; 

Only my heart, Lord ! to Thy throne 

I bring ! and pray 
That child of Thine I may go forth, 
And spread glad tidings through the earth, 
And teach sad hearts to know Thy worth — 

Lord, here am I ! 

Thy Messenger, all-loving One ! 
The errands of Thy truth to run, 
The wisdom of Thy holy Son 
To teach and live ! 




244 



No purse or scrip, no staff or sword ; 
Be pure intent my wings, O Lord ! 
Be innocence my magic word — 
Lord, here am I! 

Young lips may teach the wise, Christ said ; 
Weak feet sad wanderers home have led, 
Small hands have cheered the sick one's bed 

With freshest flowers ! 
Yet teach me, Father! heed their sighs, 
"While many a soul in darkness lies 
And waits this message ; make me wise — 

Lord, here am I ! 

And make me strong ; that staff, and stay. 
And guide, and guardian of the way, 
To Thee-ward I may bear each day 

Some precious soul. 
" Speak, for I hear ! " make " pure in heart 99 
Thy face to see. Thy truth impart 
In hut and hall, in church and mart — 

Lord, here am I ! 

I ask no heaven till earth be Thine, 
Nor glory-crown while work of mine 
Remaineth here : when earth shall shine 

Among the stars, 
Her sins wiped out, her captives free, 
Her voice a music unto Thee, 
For crown, new work give Thou to me — 

Lord, here am I! 



ILgra Bomtntizz. 245 



DIVINE ORDER. 




I IS first the true, and then the beau- 
tiful, 

Not first the beautiful and then the 
true ; 

First the wild moor, with rock, and reed, and 
pool, 

Then the gay garden, rich in scent and hue 

'Tis first the good, and then the beautiful, 
Not first the beautiful and then the good; 

First the rough seed, sown in the rougher soil, 
Then the flower-blossom, or the branching 
wood. 



Not first the glad, and then the sorrowful, 
But first the sorrowful, and then the glad : 

Tears for a day, — for earth of tears is full — 
Then we forget that we were ever sad. 

Not first the bright, and after that the dark, 

But first the dark, and after that the bright : 
First the thick cloud, and then the rainbow's 
arc, 

First the dark grave, then resurrection-light. 



246 &£ta TBomtutita. 



'Tis first the night — stern night of storm and 
war, 

Long nights of heavy clouds and veiled skies — 
Then the far sparkle of the Morning-star, 
That bids the saints awake, and dawn arise. 



I 



2L£ta Bomestfw* 247 



LOST, BUT FOUND. 

WAS a wandering sheep; 

I did not love the fold, 
I did not love my Shepherd's voice, 
I would not be controlled. 
I was a wayward child, 
I did not love my home, 
I did not love my Father's voice, 
I loved afar to roam. 

The Shepherd sought his sheep, 

The Father sought his child; 
They followed me o'er vale and hill, 

O'er deserts waste and wild. 

They found me nigh to death, 

Famished and faint, and lone ; 
They bound me with the bands of love, 

They saved the wandering one ! 

They spoke in tender love, 
They raised my drooping head, 
They gently closed my bleeding wounds, 
My fainting soul they fed. 




248 nigra Boincstttau 



They washed my filth away, 
They made me clean and fair. 
They brought me to my home in peace, 
The long-sought wanderer. 

Jesus my Shepherd is ! 

'Twas He that loved my soul, 
'Twas He that washed me in his blood, 

'Twas He that made me whole. 

'Twas He that sought the lost, 

That found the wandering sheep, 
'Twas He that brought me to the fold, 

'Tis He that still doth keep. 

I was a wandering sheep, 

I would not be controlled; 
But now I love my Shepherd's voice, 

I love, I love the fold! 

I was a wayward child, 

I once preferred to roam ; 
But now I love my Father's voice, 

I love, I love His home ! 



249 



STILL WITH THEE. 



e^S^ TILL, still with Thee, when purple 



Fairer than morning, lovelier than the daylight, 
Dawns the sweet consciousness — I am with 
Thee ! 

Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows, 
The solemn hush of nature newly born ! 

Alone with Thee in breathless adoration, 

In the calm dew and freshness of the morn ! 

As in the dawning, o'er the waveless ocean, 
The image of the morning star doth rest, 

So in this stillness Thou beholdest only 
Thine ima^e in the waters of my breast. 

TYhen sinks the soul, subdued by toil to slum- 
ber, 

Its closing eye looks up to Thee in prayer ; 
Sweet the repose beneath Thy wings o'ershading, 
But sweeter still, to wake and find Thee there. 




250 2Lgra Bomesttca* 



So shall it be at last, in that bright morning 
When the soul waketh, and life's shadows flee ; 

in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning, 
Shall rise the glorious thought — I am with 
Thee ! 



SLfira Someatfca* 251 



THE FUTURE LIFE. 




When all of thee that time could wither sleeps 
And perishes among the dust we tread? 



For I shall feel the sting of ceaseless pain, 
If there I meet thy gentle presence not; 

Nor hear the voice I love, nor read again 
In thy serenest eyes the tender thought. 

"Will not thy own meek heart demand me there, 
That heart whose fondest throbs to me were 
given ? 

My name on earth was ever in thy prayer ; 
. Shall it be banished from thy tongue in 
Heaven ? 

In meadows fanned by Heaven's life-breathing 
wind, 

In the resplendence of that glorious sphere, 
And larger movements of the unfettered mind, 
Wilt thou forget the love that joined us here ? 



252 IBotntsttea* 



The love that lived through all the stormy past, 
And meekly with my harsher nature bore, 

And deeper grew, and tenderer to the last : 
Shall it expire with life and be no more ? 

A happier lot than mine, and larger light 
Awaits thee there ; for thou hast bowed thy will 

In cheerful homage to the rule of right, 
And lovest all, and renderest good for ill. 

For me, the sordid cares in which I dwell 
Shrink and consume the heart, as heat the 
scroll ; 

And wrath has left its scar — that fire of hell 
Has left its frightful scar upon my soul. 

Yet, though thou wear'st the glory of the sky, 
Wilt thou not keep the same beloved name ; 

The same fair, thoughtful brow, and gentle eye, 
Lovelier in Heaven's sweet climate, yet the 
same ? 

Shalt thou not teach me, in that calmer home, 
The wisdom that I learned so ill in this — 

-The wisdom which is love — till I become 
Thy fit companion in that land of bliss ? 



253 



CITY OF GOD. 




! Y feet are worn and weary with the 
march 

O'er the rough road and up the 
steep hill-side. 
City of our God ! I fain would see 

Thy pastures green, where peaceful waters 
glide. 

My hands are weary, toiling on, 
Day after day, for perishable meat. 

O City of our God ! I fain would rest — 
I sigh to gain thy glorious mercy-seat. 

My garments travel-worn and stained with dust, 
Oft rent by briers and thorns that crowd my 
way, 

Would fain be made, Lord my righteousness ! 
Spotless and white in Heaven's unclouded ray. 

My eyes are weary looking at the sin,, 
Impiety, and scorn upon the earth. 

City of our God ! within thy walls 

All — all are clothed again with thy new 
birth. 



254 ILfita JSomesttcau 



My heart is weary of its own deep sin — 
Sinning, repenting, sinning still again ; 

When shall my soul Thy glorious presence feel, 
And find, dear Saviour, it is free from stain ? 

Patience, poor soul ! the Saviour's feet were 
worn, 

The Saviour's heart and hands were weary 
too ; 

His garments stained and travel-worn and old, 
His vision blinded with a pitying dew. 

Love thou the path of sorrow that He trod, 
Toil on and wait in patience for thy rest. 

City of our God ! we soon shall see 

Thy glorious walls — Home of the loved and 
blest. 



3g 

3£ m m 
^ ^ 



&£ra Bomesttttu 255 



THE ALPINE SHEPHERD. 

HEN on my ear your loss was 
knelled, 

And tender sympathy upburst, 
A little spring from memory welled, 
Which once had quenched my bitter thirst. 

And I was fain to bear to you 

A portion of its mild relief, 
That it might be as cooling dew, 

To steal some fever from your grief. 

After our child's untroubled breath 
Up to the Father took its way, 

And on our home the shade of death 
Like a long twilight haunting lay, 

And friends came round, with us to weep 

The little spirit's swift remove, 
This story of the Alpine sheep 

Was told to us by one we love. 

" They in the valley's sheltering care 
Soon crop the meadow's tender prime ; 

And when the sod grows brown and bare, 
The shepherd strives to make them climb 




256 Hgra Somestica* 



" To any shelves of pasture green, 
That hang along the mountain-side, 

Where grass and flowers together lean, 
And down through mists the sunbeams glide. 

"But nought can lure the timid things, 
The steep and rugged path to try, 

Though sweet the shepherd calls and sings, 
And seared below the pastures lie — - 

k< Till in his arms their lambs he takes, 

Along the dizzy verge to go, 
When, heedless of the rifts and breaks, 

They follow on o'er rock and snow. 

" And in those pastures lifted fair, 
More dewy soft than lowland mead, 

The shepherd drops his tender care, 
And sheep and lambs together feed." 

This parable, by nature breathed, 
Blew on me as the south-wind free, 

O'er frozen brooks that float unsheathed 
From icy thraldom to the sea. 

A blissful vision through the night, 
Would all my happy senses sway, 

Of the Good Shepherd on the height, 
Or climbing up the starry way — 



257 



Holding our little lamb asleep. 

And like the burden of the sea, 
Sounded that voice along the deep, 

Saying, " Arise and follow Me." 



17 



258 &2ra Somesttcau 



MINISTERING SPIEITS. 

HY come not spirits from the realms 
of glory, 

To visit earth, as in the days of 
old, 

The times of sacred writ and ancient story? 
Is heaven more distant ? or has earth grown 
cold ? 

To Bethlehem's air was their last anthem given, 
"When other stars before The One grew dim ? 

Was their last presence known in Peter's prison, 
Or where exulting martyrs raised their hymn ? 

And are they all within the veil departed ? 
There gleams no wing along the empyrean 
now ; 

And many a tear from human eyes has started, 
Since angel touch has calmed a mortal brow. 

No : earth has angels, though their forms are 
moulded 

But of such clay as fashions all below ; 




Hgra Bomcstica* 



259 



Though harps are wanting, and bright pinions 
folded, 

We know them by the love-light on their 
brow. 

I have seen angels by the sick one's pillow : 
Their's was the soft tone and the soundless 
tread ; 

Where smitten hearts were drooping like the 
willow, 

They stood " between the weeping and the 
dead." 

And if my sight, by earthly dimness hindered, 
Beheld no hovering cherubim in air, 

I doubted not, for spirits know their kindred, 
They smiled upon the wingless watchers 
there. 

There have been angels in the gloomy prison ; 
In crowded halls ; by the lone widow's 
hearth ; 

And where they passed the fallen have uprisen, 
The giddy paused, the mourner's hope had 
birth. 

Oh, many a spirit walks the world unheeded, 
That, when its veil of sadness is laid down, 

Shall soar aloft with pinions unimpeded, 
And wear its glory like a starry crown. 



260 &gra Homesti'cau 



THE CALM OF THE SOUL. 

HEN winds are raging o'er the 
upper ocean, 
And billows wild contend with 
angry roar — 
"lis said, far down beneath the wild commotion, 
That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore. 

Far, far beneath, the noise of tempests dieth, 
And silver waves chime ever peacefully, 

And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth, 
Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea. 

So to the heart that knows Thy love, 
Purest ! 

There is a temple sacred evermore, 
And all the babble of life's angry voices 
Dies in hushed stillness at its peaceful door. 

Far, far away, the roar of passion dieth, 

And loving thoughts rise calm and peace- 
fully, 

And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth, 
Disturbs the soul that dwells, Lord, in 
Thee! 




&£ra Bomesttcau 261 



rest of rests ! peace serene, eternal ! 

Thou ever livest, and Thou changest never, 
And in the secret of Thy presence dwelleth 

Fulness of joy for ever and for ever. 



THE NEW SONG. 

ARTH has a joy unknown in heaven, 
The new-born peace of sin forgiven ! 
Tears of such pure and deep de- 
light, 

Ye angels ! never dimmed your sight. 

Ye saw of old, on chaos rise, 
The beauteous pillars of the skies ; 
Ye know where Morn exulting springs, 
And Evening folds her drooping wings. 

Bright heralds of the Eternal Will, 
Abroad His errands ye fulfil ; 
Or, throned in floods of beamy day, 
Symphonious in His presence play. 

But I amid your choirs shall shine, 
And all your knowledge will be mine ; 
Ye on your harps must lean to hear 
A secret chord that mine will bear. 




262 &gra Domam'ca* 



THE PILGKQI. 

ILGRIM, burdened with thy sin, 

Come the way to Zion's gate, 
There, till mercy speaks within, 
Knock, and weep, and watch, and 
wait. 

Knock — He knows the shiner's cry ; 

Weep — He loves the mourner's tears ; 
Watch — for saving grace is nigh ; 

Wait — till heavenly grace appears. 

Hark ! it is the Saviour's voice — 

" Welcome, pilgrim, to thy rest ! 99 
Xow within the gate rejoice, 

Safe, and owned, and bought, and blest ; 
Safe from all the lures of vice ; 

Owned by joys the contrite know ; 
Bought by love, and life the price ; 

Blest the mighty debt to owe. 

Holy pilgrim, what for thee 

In a world like this remains ? 
From thy guarded breast shall flee 

Fear, and shame, and doubt, and pains : 




SLgra Bomzntitz. 263 



Fear the hope of heaven shall flee ; 

Shame from Glory's view retire ; 
Doubt in full belief shall die ; 

Pain in endless bliss expire. 



THE QUESTION. 

Y spirit longeth for Thee 

To dwell within my breast, 
Although I am unworthy 
Of so divine a Guest. 

Of so divine a Guest 
Unworthy though I be, 

Yet hath my heart no rest, 
Until it come to Thee. 

Until it come to Thee, 
In vain I look around ; 

In all that I can see 
No rest is to be founds 

No rest is to be found 

But in Thy bleeding love; 

Oh let my wish be crowned, 
And send it from above ! 




264 &gra Bomtntita. 



THE ANSWER. 

HEER up, desponding soul ! 

Thy longing pleased I see ; 
'Tis part of that great whole, 
Wherewith I longed for thee ! 

Wherewith I longed for thee, 
And left my Father's throne, 

From death to set thee free, 
And claim thee for my own ! 

To claim thee for my own 

I suffered on the Cross; 
Oh, were my love but known, 

All else would be as dross ! 

All else would be as dross ! 

And souls, through grace divine, 
Would count their gains but loss, 

To live for ever mine ! 




Bomcsttca* 265 



CHRIST OUR ONLY JOY. 




ESUS ! the very thought of Thee 
With gladness fills my breast ; 

But dearer far Thy face to see, 
And in Thy presence rest. 



Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, 

Nor can the memory find 
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name, 

Saviour of mankind ! 

hope of every contrite heart, 

joy of all the meek ! 
To those who fall how kind Thou art, 

How good to those who seek ! 

And those who find Thee find a bliss 
Nor tongue nor pen can show ! 

The love of Jesus — what it is, 
None but His loved ones know. 



Jesus, our only joy be Thou! 

As Thou our prize wilt be ; 
Jesus, be Thou our glory now, 

And through eternity. 



266 agra 23omtsttca* 



CHRIST'S KINGSHIP. 




CHRIST, our King, Creator, Lord, 
Saviour of all who trust Thy word, 
To them who seek Thee ever near, 
fg) Now to our praises bend Thine ear. 

In Thy dear cross a grace is found, 
It flows from every streaming wound, 
Whose power our inbred sin controls, 
Breaks the firm bond, and frees our souls. 

Thou didst create the stars of night, 
Yet Thou hast veiled in flesh Thy light, 
Hast deigned a mortal form to wear, 
A mortal's painful lot to bear. 

When Thou didst hang upon the tree, 
The quaking earth acknowledged Thee; 
When Thou didst there yield up Thy breath, 
The world grew dark as shades of death. 

Now in the Father's glory high, 
Great Conqu'ror, never more to die, 
Us by Thy mighty power defend, 
And reign through ages without end. 



i3om£5tica* 207 



THE FEAST. 

BEEAD to pilgrims given, 

Food that angels eat, 
Manna sent from Heaven, 
For heaven-born natures meet ! 
Give us, for Thee long pining, 

To eat till richly filled, 
Till, earth's delights resigning, 
Our every wish is stilled. 




Water life bestowing ! 

From out the Saviour's heart 
A fountain purely flowing, 

A fount of love Thou art. 
Oh let us, freely tasting, 

Our burning thirst assuage ! 
Thy sweetness never wasting 

Avails from age to age. 

Jesus, this feast receiving, 
"We Thee unseen adore ; 

Thy faithful Word believing, 
We take — and doubt no more. 



268 agra Bomesttca* 



Give , us, Thou true and loving ! 

On earth to live in Thee; 
Then, death the veil removing, 

Thy glorious face to see ! 



2L£ta BomtBttta. 269 



GRATITUDE TO CHRIST. 

LOVE Thee, my God ! but not 

For what I hope thereby, 
Nor yet because who love Thee not 
Must die eternally. 
I love Thee, O my God ! and still 

I ever will love Thee, 
Solely because my God Thou art, 
Who first hast loved me. 

For me to lowest depths of woe 

Thou didst Thyself abase ; 
For me didst bear the cross, the shame, 

And manifold disgrace. 
For me didst suffer pains unknown, 

Blood-sweat and agony, 
Yea, death itself — all, all for me, 

For me, Thine enemy. 

Then shall I not, Saviour mine ! 

Shall I not love Thee well? 
Not with the hope of winning heaven, 

Nor of escaping hell; 




270 &£ra Bomesttca* 

Not with the hope of earning aught, 

Nor seeking a reward, 
But freely, fully, as Thyself 

Hast loyed rue, Lord! 



2Lgra Homestica, 271 



IN THE FIGHT. 

CHRIST, the leader of that war- 
worn host 
Who bear Thy cross — now help, 
or we are lost ! 
Disperse the foes, who long in deadly strife 
Have sought our life ! 

Come, Lord ! and shield Thy children with Thine 
arm ! 

Restrain the power of him who seeks our harm ; 
O'er all that would Thy members here assail, 
Do Thou prevail! 

And grant us peace within the church and school, 
Peace to the powers that our fair country rule ; 
To every wounded conscience, aching heart, 
Thy peace impart ! 

And heaven and earth eternally shall raise 
(Thy goodness and Thy boundless love to praise) 
Glad songs to Thee, the Guardian of Thy 
flock, 

Our sheltering rock ! 




272 



Slgra Bomtntita. 



THE NEW JERUSALEM. 




ERUSALEM, my happy home, 

Name ever dear to me ! 
When shall my labors have an end 

In joy and peace in Thee ? 



Oh when, thou city of my God, 
Shall I thy courts ascend ? 

Where evermore the angels sing, 
Where Sabbaths have no end. 



There happier bowers than Eden's bloom, 

Nor sin nor sorrow know. 
Blest seats ! through rude and stormy scenes 

I onward press to you. 

Why should I shrink at pain and woe ; 

Or feel at death dismay? 
Tve Canaan's goodly land in view, 

And realms of endless day. 

Jerusalem, my glorious home ! 

My soul still pants for Thee ; 
Then shall my labors have an end 

When I thy joys shall see. 



2Lgra Domestical 273 



A COMPASSIONATE HIGH PRIEST. 

HEX gathering clouds around I 
view, 

And days are dark and friends are 
few, 

On Him I lean, who not in vain, 
Experienced every human pain. 
He feels my griefs, He sees my fears, 
And counts and treasures up my tears. 

If aught should tempt my soul to stray 

From heavenly wisdom's narrow way, 

To fly the good I would pursue, 

Or do the ill I would not do ; 

Still He, who felt temptation's power, 

Shall guard me in that dangerous hour. 

"When vexing thoughts within me rise, 
And sore dismayed my spirit dies, 
Then He who once vouchsafed to bear 
The sickening anguish of despair, 
Shall sweetly soothe, shall gently dry 
The throbbing heart, the streaming eye. 
18 




274 agra Bomesttca* 



When sorrowing o'er some stone I bend, 
Which covers all that was a friend, 
And from his voice, his hand, his smile, 
Divides me for a little while ; 
Thou, Saviour, seest the tears I shed, 
For Thou didst weep o'er Lazarus dead. 

And oh, when I have safely past, 
Through every conflict but the last, 
Still, still unchanging, watch beside 
My bed of death, for Thou hast died ; 
Then point to realms of endless day, 
And wipe the latest tear away : 

When from my sight all fades away, 
And when my tongue no more can say, 
And when mine ears no more can hear, 
And when my heart is racked with fear ; 
When all my mind is darkened o'er, 
And human help can do no more, 

Then come, Lord Jesus ! come with speed, 
And help me in my hour of need, — 
Then hide my sins, and let my faith 
Be brave and conquer ev'n in death ; 
Then let me, resting on Thy word, 
Securely sleep in Thee, my Lord. 



llgra Bomtntita. 275 



DAILY DEPENDENCE. 

HEN streaming from the eastern 
skies, 

The morning light salutes mine 
eyes ; 

O Sun of Righteousness divine, 
On me with beams of mercy shine ; 
Chase the dark clouds of sin away, 
And turn my darkness into day. 

When to heaven's great and glorious King, 
My morning sacrifice I bring, 
And, mourning o'er my guilt and shame, 
Ask mercy, Saviour, in Thy name : 
My conscience sprinkle with Thy blood, 
And be my advocate with God. 

As every day Thy mercy spares, 
Will bring its trials and its cares — 
O Saviour, till my life shall end, 
Be Thou my counsellor and friend ; 
Teach me Thy precepts, all divine, 
And be Thy pure example mine. 

When pain transfixes every part, 
Or languor settles at the heart, 
When on my bed, diseased, oppress'd, 




276 WL£ta Bomesttca* 



I turn and sigh and long for rest ; 
O great Physician, see my grief, 
And grant Thy servant sweet relief. 

Should poverty's destructive blow 
Lay all my worldly comforts low, 
And neither help nor hope appear, 
My steps to guide, my heart to cheer ; 
Lord, pity and supply my need 
For Thou, on earth, wast poor indeed! 

Should Providence profusely pour 
Its varied blessings on my store ; 
O keep me from the ills that wait 
On such a seeming prosperous state — 
From hurtful passions set me free, 
And humbly may I walk with Thee. 

When each day's scenes and labours close, 
And wearied nature seeks repose, 
With pardoning mercy richly blest, 
Guard me, my Saviour, while I rest ; 
And as each morning sun shall rise, 
lead me onward to the skies. 

And at my life's last setting sun, 
My conflicts o'er, my labours done ; 
Jesus, Thy heavenly radiance shed, 
To cheer and bless my dying bed — 
And from death's gloom my spirit raise 
To see Thy face and sing Thy praise. 



SLfita Bomcsttcau 277 



"IF IT BE POSSIBLE, LET THIS CUP 
PASS FROM ME." 

ET this cup pass, my Father ! I am 
sinking 

In the deep waters which surround 
my soul, 

And bitter grows the draught which I am 
drinking, 

And higher rise the waves that round me 
roll. 

Forsake me not in this my need extreme st ! 
Let not Thy strengthening hand elude my 
grasp ! 

I know Thy love, even when Thou harshest 
seemest, — 
Father most merciful ! let this cup pass ! 

Life hath not laid her hand upon me lightly, — 
I have known sorrow, disappointment, pain ; 
Have seen hope clouded when it burned most 
brightly, 

And false love fade, and falser friendships 
wane. 




278 iLgra 23omesttcau 



But now, fresh chains about my heart are link- 
ing, 

And to my lip is pressed a fuller cup, 
And from the draught my shuddering soul is 
shrinking ; 
Father ! I cannot, cannot drink it up ! 

What have I said? "Will not Thy grace sus- 
tain me ? 

Is Thine arm shortened that it cannot save? 
Powerless indeed if Thou, my God, disdain me, 
I can do all things with the help I crave. 

Haste Thee to help me ! that, on Thee depend- 
ing, 

I may have strength to say, " Thy will be 
done," — 

If this cup may not pass, Thine angel sending, 
Aid me, as Thou of old didst aid Thy Son ! 

And Thou, my Saviour! once our weakness 
sharing, 

Tempted in all things, yet untouched by sin, 
Hear my wild cry ! leave not my soul despair- 
ing ! 

Help me the cross to bear, the crown to win ! 



2L£ta Somestua* 279 



A PRAYER FOR FAITH. 

TERXAL Power, of earth and air! 

Unseen, yet seen in all around, 
Remote, but dwelling everywhere, 
Though silent, heard in every 
sound, 

If e'er Thine ear in mercy bent 

When wretched mortals cried to Thee ; 

And if, indeed, Thy Son was sent 
To save lost sinners such as me ; 

Then hear me now while, knee-ling here, 
I lift to Thee my heart and eye, 

And all my soul ascends in prayer, 
Oh give me — give me faith ! I cry. 

Without some glimmering in my heart 
I could not raise this fervent prayer ; 

But Oh ! a stronger light impart, 
And in Thy mercy fix it there. 

While Faith is with me I am blest ; 

It turns my darkest night to day ; 
But while I clasp it to my breast 

I often feel it slide away. 




280 iLsra Bomesttca* 



Then, cold and dark, my spirit sinks 
To see my light of life depart ; 

And every friend of hell, me thinks, 
Enjoys the anguish of my heart. 

"What shall I do, if all my love, 
My hopes, my toil, are cast away, 

And if there be no God above 

To hear and bless me when I pray : 

If this be vain delusion all, 

If death be an eternal sleep, 
And none can hear my secret call, 

Or see the silent tears I weep ? 

Oh help me. God ! for Thou alone 
Canst my distracted soul relieve ; 

Forsake it not ; it is Thine own, 

Though weak, yet longing to believe. 

Oh drive these cm el doubts away, 

And make me know that Thou art God ! 

A faith that shines by night and day 
Will lighten every earthly load. 

If I believe that Jesus died, 

And. waking, rose to reign above, 

Then surely sorrow, sin, and pride, 

Must yield to peace, and hope, and love. 



ILgra ZBomtsttcau 28i 



And all the blessed words He said 
Will strength and holy joy impart ; 

A shield of safety o'er my head, 
A spring of comfort in my heart. 



282 



llsra EomznUta. 



LONGING FOR JESUS. 

WATCHMAN, will the night of sin 

Be never past ? 
Watchman, doth the day begin 
To dawn upon thy straining sight at 
last ? 
Will it dispel 
Ere long the mists of sense wherein I dwell? 

Now all the earth is bright and glad 

With the fresh mom ; 
But all my heart is cold and sad ; 
Sun of the soul, let me behold thy dawn! 

Come Jesus, Lord ! 
quickly come, according to Thy word ! 

Do we not live in those blest days 

So long foretold, 
When Thou shouldst come to bring us light and 

grace, 

And yet I sit in darkness as of old, 

Pining to see 
Thy glory ; but Thou still art far from me. 

Long since Thou cam'st to be the Light 

Of all men here ; 
And yet in me is nought but blackest night. 




283 



Wilt thou not then to me, thine own, appear? 

Shine forth and bless 
My soul with vision of Thy righteousness ! 

If thus in darkness ever left, 

Can I fulfil 
The works of light, while of all light bereft? 
How shall I learn in love and meekness still 

To follow Thee, 
And all the sinful works of darkness flee ? 

The light of reason cannot give 

Life to my soul ; 
Jesus alone can make me truly live ; 
One glance of His can make my spirit whole. 

Arise and shine 
On this poor, longing, wasting heart of mine. 

Single and clear, not weak or blind, 

The eye must be, 
To which Thy glory shall an entrance find ; 
For if Thy chosen ones would gaze on Thee, 

No earthly screen 
Between their souls and Thee must intervene. 

Jesus, do Thou mine eyes unseal, 

And let them grow 
Quick to discern whate'er Thou dost reveal, 
So shall I be delivered from that woe, 

Blindly to stray, 
Through hopeless night, when all around is day. 



284 ILgra Somesttca* 




THE SCHOOL OF SUFFERING. 

" In the day when I cried, thou answeredst me. and strength- 
enedst me with strength in my soul." — Psalm exxxviii. 3. 

||AVIOUR, beneath Thy yoke, 
^ My wayward heart doth pine ; 
l^j All unaccustomed to the stroke 
Of bye divine: 
Thy chastisements, my God, are hard to bear, 
Thy cross is heayy for frail flesh to wear. 

" Perishing child of clay ! 

Thy sighing I haye heard ; 
Long haye I marked thy eyil way, 
How thou hast erred ! 
Yet fear not — by my own most holy name 
I will shed healing through thy stricken frame. 7 ' 

Praise to Thee, gracious Lord ! 

I fain would be at rest ; 
Oh now fulfil Thy faithful word 
And make me blest ; 
My soul would lay her heayy burden down, 
And take, with joyfulness, the promised crown. 



" Stay, thou short-sighted child ! 
There is much first to do. 



agra Bomtutita. 285 



Thy heart so long by sin defiled 
I must renew ; 
Thy will must here be taught to bend to mine, 
Or the sweet peace of heaven can ne'er be 
thine." 

Yea, Lord, but Thou canst soon 

Perfect Thy work in me, 
Till, like the pure, calm summer noon, 
I shine by Thee — 
A moment shine, that I Thy power may trace, 
Then pass in stillness to Thy heavenly place. 

" Ah ! coward soul, confess 

Thou shrinkest from my cure, 
Thou tremblest at the sharp distress 
Thou must endure: 
The foes on every hand for war arrayed, 
The thorny path in tribulation laid. 

" The process slow of years, 

The discipline of life, 
Of outward woes and secret tears, 
Sickness and strife — 
Thine idols taken from thee one by one, 
Till thou canst dare to live with me alone. 

" Some gentle souls there are, 

Who yield unto my love, 
Who, ripening fast beneath my care, 
I soon remove ; 



286 ILsra Botucsttca* 



But thou stiff-necked art, and hard to rule, 
Thou must stay longer in affliction's school." 

My Maker and my King! 

Is this Thy love to me ? 
Oh that I had the lightning's wing, 
From earth to flee — 
How can I bear the heavy weight of woes 
Thine indignation on Thy creature throws ? 

" Thou canst not, my child, 
So hear my voice again — 
I will bear all thy anguish wild, 
Thy grief — thy pain ; 
My arms shall be around thee, day by day, 
My smile shall cheer thee on thy heavenward 
way. 

" In sickness I will be 

Watching beside thy bed, 
In sorrow thou shalt lean on me 
Thy aching head ; 
In every struggle thou shalt conqueror prove, 
Nor death itself shall sever from my love." 

O grace beyond compare ! 

O love most high and pure ! 
Saviour, begin, no longer spare, 
I can endure ; 
Only vouchsafe Thy grace, that I may live 
Unto Thy glory, who canst so forgive. 



2Lgra Bomesttcau 287 



A PARENT'S PRAYER. 

T this hushed hour, when all my 

children sleep, 
Here, in Thy presence, gracious 
God, I kneel ; 
And, while the tears of gratitude I weep, 
Would pour the prayer which gratitude must 
feel ; 

Parental love ! set Thy holy seal 
On these soft hearts which Thou to me hast 
sent ; 

Repel temptation, guard their better weal ; 
Be Thy pure spirit to their frailty lent, 
And lead them in the path their infant Saviour 
went. 

I ask not for them eminence or wealth — 
For these, in wisdom's view, are trifling toys ; 
But occupation, competence, and health, 
Thy love, Thy presence, and the lasting joys 
That flow therefrom ; the passion which em- 
ploys 

The breasts of holy men ; and thus to be 
From all that taints, or darkens, or destroys 
The strength of principle forever, free ; 
This is the better boon, O God, I ask of Thee. 




288 &gra Domcstfca. 



This world I know is but a narrow bridge, 
And treacherous waters roar and foam below, 
With feeble feet we walk the wooden ridge, 
Which creaks, and shakes beneath us as we go ; 
Some fall by accident, and thousands throw 
Their bodies headlong in the hungry stream, 
Some sink by secret means, and never know 
The hand which struck them from their tran- 
sient dream, 

Till wisdom wakes in death, and in despair they 
scream. 

If these soft feet, which now these feathers 
press, 

Are doomed the paths of ruin soon to tread ; 
If vice, concealed in her unspotted dress, 
Is soon to turn to her polluted bed ; 
If Thy foreseeing eye discerns a thread 
Of sable guilt, impelling on their doom, 
spare them not — in mercy strike them 
dead ; 

Prepare for them an early, welcome tomb, 
Nor for eternal blight let my false blossoms 
bloom. 

But if some useful path before them lie 
WTiere they may walk obedient to Thy laws, 
Though never basking in ambition's eye, 
And pampered never with the world's ap- 
plause, 



&2ta 29om*Btfra* 289 



Active, yet humble, virtuous too, the cause 
Of virtue in the dwellings where they dwell, 
Still following where Thy perfect spirit draws, 
Releasing others from the hands of hell, — 
If this be life, then let them longer live, 'tis 
well. 

How soft they sleep, what innocent repose 
Rests on their eyes, from older sorrows free; 
Sweet babes, the curtain I would not unclose, 
Which wraps the future from your minds and 
me. 

But, Heavenly Father, leaving them with 
Thee, — 

Whether or high or low may be their lot, 
Or early death, or life await them, be 
Their Guardian, Saviour, Guide, and bless the 
spot 

Where they shall live or die ; till death, for- 
sake them not. 

Though persecution's arches o'er them spread, 
Or sickness undermine, consuming slow ; 
Though they should lead the life their Sav- 
iour led, 

And His deep poverty be doomed to know ; 
Wherever Thou shalt order, let them go; 
I give them up to Thee — they are not mine ; 
And I could call the swiftest winds that blow 
19 



290 llgra Bomcsttca* 



To bear them from me to tlie Pole or Line, 
In distant lands to plant the Gospel's bleeding 
shrine. 

"When as a scroll these heavens shall pass 
away, 

When the cold grave shall offer up its trust, 
When seas shall burn, and the last, dreadful 
day 

Restores the spirit to its scattered dust, 
Then, Thou most merciful, as well as just, 
Let not my eye, when elements are tossed 
In wild confusion, see that darkest, worst, 
Of painful sights, that ever parent crossed, — 
Bear my sad, earnest prayer, and let not mine 
be lost. 



291 



VEOT SANCTE SPIRITUS. 

OME, Holy Spirit! from the height 
Of heaven send down Thy blessed 
light ! 

Come, Father of the friendless 
poor ! 

Giver of gifts, and Light of hearts, 
Come with that unction which imparts 
Such consolations as endure. 

The Soul's Refreshment and her Guest, 
Shelter in heat, in labour Rest, 

The sweetest Solace in our woe ! 
Come, blissful Light ! come and fill, 
In all Thy faithful, heart and will, 

And make our inward fervour glow. 

Where Thou art, Lord ! there is no ill, 
For evil's self Thy light can kill. 

let that light upon us rise, 
Lord ! heal our wounds, and cleanse our stains, 
Fountain of grace ! and with thy rains 

Our barren spirits fertilize. 




292 3L%tz Sowenttca- 



Bend with Thy fires our stubborn will, 
And quicken what the world would chill, 

And homeward call the feet that stray: 
Virtue's reward, and final grace, 
The Eternal Vision face to face, 

Spirit of Love ! for these we pray. 

Come, Holy Spirit ! bid us live ; 
To those who trust Thy mercy give 

Joys that through endless ages flow : 
Thy various gifts, foretastes of Heaven, 
Those that are named Thy sacred Seven, 

On us, God of love, bestow. 



3L£ta WomtBtita* 293 



"I SHALL BE SATISFIED." 

OT here ! not here ! not where the 
sparkling waters 
Fade into mocking sands as we 
draw near : 

Where in the wilderness each footstep falters ; — 
I shall be satisfied — but O ! not here ! 

Not here — where every dream of bliss de- 
ceives us, 

Where the worn spirit never gains its goal; 
Where, haunted ever by the thoughts that 
grieve us, 

Across us floods of bitter memory roll. 

There is a land where every pulse is thrilling 
With rapture earth's sojourners may not 
know, 

Where Heaven's repose the weary heart is 
stilling, 

And peacefully life's time-tossed currents flow. 

Far out of sight, while yet the flesh infolds us, 
Lies the fair country where our hearts 
abide, 




294 &gra Domestics* 



And of its bliss is nought more wondrous told 
us 

Than these few words, " I shall be satisfied." 

Satisfied ! Satisfied ! the spirit's yearning 

For sweet companionship with kindred minds ; 

The silent love that here meets no returning — 
The inspiration which no language finds — 

Shall they be satisfied ? The soul's vague long- 
ings — 

The aching void which nothing earthly fills ? 
! what desires upon my soul are thronging 
As I look upward to the heavenly hills ! 

Thither my weak and weary steps are tend- 
ing ; 

Saviour and Lord ! with Thy frail child abide ! 
Guide me towards home, where all my wander- 
ings ending, 
I then shall see Thee, and " be satisfied." 



EnSET of iFtrst lanes. 295 



INDEX OF FIEST LIXES. 



PAGE 

A gentle angel wendeth 14 

Ah ! what time wilt Thou come? 117 

Alas, that I not earlier knew Thee 141 

All night the lonely suppliant prayed 221 

As a traveller, returning 51 

Ask not, what it is that ails me 71 

At this hushed hour, when all my children sleep. . . 287 

Behold the Lamb ! 213 

Behold the western evening-light ! 134 

Beloved, "It is well" 106 

Birds have their quiet nest 223 

Blest are ye, ye chosen bearers 60 

Born unto God in Christ — in Christ my all ? 137 

Brethren, called by one vocation 56 

Cheer up, desponding soul 264 

Christ, whose first appearance lighted 12 

Come, my soul, thou must be waking 209 

Come, my fond fluttering heart 186 

Come to our poor nature's night 189 

Come, Holy Spirit ! from the height .' 291 

Count each affliction, whether light or grave 151 

Dear God ! that watch doth keep 108 

Dost Thou in a manger He 89 

Draw, Holy Spirit, nearer 21 



296 KltHcp Of ffittit ILillCS. 



PAGE 

Earth has a joy unknown in heaven 261 

Eternal Power, of earth and air ! 279 

Excite in me, O Lord, an ardent thirst 75 

Father divine ! to Thee • 194 

Father, whose hand hath led me so securely 77 

Fear not, O little flock, the foe 150 

Fighting the battle of life ! 127 

Flow, my contrite tears, flow faster 215 

From the recesses of a lowly spirit 125 

From out the depths of misery I cry 132 

From Thy habitation, Holy , 202 

Gentle as if descended from the skies 114 

Give me thine heart but as I gave it thee 101 

Give ear, Lord, to hear 158 

Glad on the mountains , 168 

God of mercy, God of love 164 

God ! whom I as love have known 191 

Great God, whose sceptre rules the earth 225 

He that from dross would win the precious ore. . . . 115 

How mean ye thus by weeping 81 

How shall I know thee in the sphere which keeps . . 251 

I and my house are ready, Lord 5 

Immortal babe, who this dear day 142 

I believe, and so have spoken 42 

I hear my Shepherd calling i 33 

It is a practice greatly blest 58 

I love Thee, my God ! but not 269 

In pity, my most tender God 116 

In the hour of my distress 165 

In Thy service will I ever . , . . . 44 

I thank Thee, my God, who made 123 



Knlrep of iFicst mness* 297 



PAGE 

If there be a heaven so fair 133 

In the mid silence of the voiceless night 140 

In schools of wisdom all the day was spent 228 

In vain thou seekest in thyself to find 28 

I was a wandering sheep 247 

Jerusalem, my happy home 272 

Jesus ! the very thought of Thee 265 

Just as I am — without one plea 217 

Kneel, my child, for God is here ! 92 

Lauded be Thy name for ever 110 

Let me suffer wrong without complaining 67 

Let me build on this secure foundation 54 

Let this cup pass, my Father ! I am sinking 276 

Lonely was the way and dreary 8 

Long and toilsome is the road 73 

Lord, it belongs not to my care 94 

Lord, when Thou didst thyselfe undresse 91 

My Father and my God 230 

My feet are worn and weary with the march 253 

My God, I love Thee — not because 219 

My God ! is any hour so sweet 100 

My God, my Father, while I stray 129 

Mysterious in its birth 184 

Man hath his anxious seasons 31 

My spirit longeth for Thee ... 263 

Nearer, my God, to Thee 207 

Not all at once, not in Thy wrath, O Lord 235 



Not here ! not here ! not where the sparkling waters 293 



O abide, abide in Jesus 



65 



298 Kntfcp of jptrst 2Ltim 



PAGE 

O bread to pilgrims given 267 

O Christ, the leader of that war-worn host 270 

Christ, our King, Creator, Lord 266 

O Day-spring from on high 95 

day most calm, most bright 121 

Of all the thoughts of God that are 112 

Oh, mystery transcending thought 119 

Oh happy house, home supremely blest 3 

O Jesus, Lord of heavenly grace 232 

One baptism, and one faith 180 

One time my soul was pierced as with a sword 174 

On the lone bosom of a lake 204 

O that my soul might never lack 69 

Our God, our Father, with us stay Ill 

Thou, whose wise paternal love 103 

Watchman, will the night of sin 282 

Pain's furnace-heat within me quivers 196 

Pilgrim, burdened with thy sin 262 

Praise, all praise, to Thee be given « 46 

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart 234 

Eejoice in Christ alway 236 

Rejoice, rejoice, believers ! 211 

Rise, my soul, with thy desires to Heaven 238 

Saviour, beneath Thy yoke 284 

Saviour of mankind, man, Emmanuel 135 

See, O see, what love the Father 40 

See, the star that leads the day 160 

Shepherd of tender youth ! 170 

Since o'er Thy footstool here below 154 

Sing with me ! Sing with me ! 105 

Speak to me, O my Saviour, low and sweet 149 



PAGE 

Spirit, by whose operation 24 

Still, as of old, Thy precious word 243 

Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh 249 

Suffer me to come to Jesus 148 

Sun, shine forth in all thy splendour 18 

Sweet baby, sleep : what ails my dear 178 

That love is purest and most true. 62 

The purple morning gilds the Eastern skies 10 

The pray'rs I make will then be sweet indeed 99 

The Sabbath sun was setting slow 182 

These hairs of age are messengers 136 

Thy will I cheerfully obey 38 

Though I am slow to trust the Lord 162 

That mystic word of Thine, O sovereign Lord. . . . 156 

The night is dark ; behold the shade was deeper. . . 198 

Thou brightness of Thy Father's face 239 

'Tis first the true, and then the beautiful 245 

Thou, whom my soul admires above 206 

Thus said Jesus : — I will keep 143 

Thou cam'st not to thy place by accident. 155 

'Tis not yet the hour appointed ! 36 

'Tis not the skill of human art 107 

'Tis not for man to trifle ! Life is brief 172 

To weary hearts, to mourning homes 98 

Turn, poor wanderer, ere the sentence 48 

To thee, O dear, dear country 138 

Uncomplaining, though with care grown hoary. ... 79 

What shall I render Thee ! Father Supreme 166 

What shall we be, and whither shall we go 83 

We'll seek Thy face at early dawn 131 

What ails my heart, that in my breast 152 

When I consider how my light is spent 159 



300 mutv of jFtrsat %lnzu. 



When Mary bids Thee sleep, thou sleepest 241 

When on my ear your loss was knelled 255 

When streaming from the eastern skies 275 

When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean 260 

When gathering clouds around I view 273 

Wherefore weep we over Jesus 16 

While to Bethlehem we are going 147 

Why come not spirits from the realms of glory .... 258 
With years oppressed, with sorrow worn 96 

Yes, I do feel, my God, that I am Thine 188 



THE END. 



CAMBRIDGE: PRINTED BY H. O. HOUGHTON. 




U 1881. 



m 

S 

I w 



